Thiru Chotru thurai Nadhar / Oudhavneswarar Temple, Thiru Chotru thurai, Tanjoore Dt.

Thiru Chotru thurai Nadhar / Oudhavneswarar Temple:




The place is about 15 kms from Tanjavoore and 4 kms from Kandiyoor.
This temple of Chotuthurai is one of the Devara Sthalam, on the south bank of River Cauvery. This is third temple of the Ezhur (Seven) sthalams, where Lord fed is devotees.









Main Raja Gopuram is of three tiers




The temple has single prakaram only. As we go around the prakaram, Sanctum of Annapoorani Amman is in the south east, Lord Arumugan facing east is seen in a shrine facing south.








Lord Maha Vishnu sanctum is seen facing east. We get to see Gautama Muni worshiping Lord Vishnu here.









Lord Vinayakar and Lord Murugan are seen near the temple entrance to either side.









We see a mandapam and Adigara Nandi is seen in front of the mandapam. We see Natarajar in the mandapam which leads to the Artha mandapam and main sanctum of Lord Oudhavaneswarar.




Sthala Vruksham is Vilvam. Teertham is River Cauvery and Soorya teertham.










Main deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Thiru Chotru thurai Nadhar / Oudhavaneswarar with his consort known as Annpoorani Amman facing east. She is seen in a separate sanctum in SE while go around the prakaram.










Brahma, Vishnu, Sooryan, Indran and Sage Gautama worshiped Lord Siva in this place. Sage Gautama attained Mukthi in this place.










Sthala Purana: Once due to severe famine people were starving. The temple was not taken care off at that time. A devotee of Lord Siva named Arulalan worshiped Lord Siva to overcome the severe famine. He banged his heads to the steps and cried out for help from Lord Siva. There was heavy down pour and the place was flooded. There was a bowl floating in the water which was picked by Arulalan. He heard a voice announcing, the bowl is Akshya Patra which gives food always without any bounds. It will never go dry and it can help in feeding the people to get rid of their hunger.




Since the Lord here has helped to get rid of famine and gave Akshya Patra which gave food, Lord is praised and named as Thiru Chotru Thurai Nadhar. (Chotru means food).





Saints Sundarar, Thiru Navakkuarasar and Thiru Gyana Sambandhar sang Hymns on Lord Siva of this temple. Arunagirinadhar sang Thirupugazh on Lord Murugan here. Thiru Ramalinga Vallalaar has praised and worshiped Lord here.

Thiru Navaloore, Vizhupuram Dt.

Thiru Navaloore: this temple is one of Nadu Nadu Devara Sthalams



The temple is 14 kms to NE from Ulundoorpettai on the banks of Kedila River. Now the place is known as Thiru Nama Naloore.







The main Raja Gopuram of the temple is of five tiers and there are two prakaram.







As we enter in we see Dwajasthambam.







Nandiis in a small mandapam




Sthala Vruksham is Naval tree (Kala Jaamun in Hindi). Teetham here is Gomukhi and River Garuda.









Main Deity is Swayambu Siva lingam known as Arulmigu Bakthajaneswarar facing East and his consort known as Sundarambikai Amman facing East in different sanctum.




The name of the place is Navaloore because of the Sthala Vruksham Naval tree.




As we go around the prakaram we see a sanctum for Sundra moorthy Nayanar with his consort Paravai Nachiar and Sangli Nachiar in the first prakaram. This is birth place of Sundarar. Dakshina Moorthy is seen on Rishba Vahanam in standing posture.




Other deities seen in the temple are Vinayakar, Subramanyar, Brahma, Vishnu, Chandikeswarar, Sukran, Navagraham and Bargaveeswara Lingam worshiped by Sukara Bagwan. Sooryan in Navagraha is facing west in this temple




There is a separate sanctum for Vishnu in-between main deity Lord Siva and Sundarambikai Amman. Lord Vishnu worshiped Lord Siva here.




Here we find four Siva Lingams. One was worshiped by Lord Vishnu in Ruth Yoga, Chandikeswarar worshiped second one in Tretha Yugam, Brahma worshiped third one, in Dwapara Yugam, and finally the fourth one was worshiped by Sundarar in Kali yugam.



Parvathi Devi worshiped Lord Siva here and she married to him. Sivapriyar worshiped Siva here and he was been recognized as Chandeeswarar. Garuda who became black due to the effect of poison of Nagaraja worshiped Lord Siva of this place. He was blessed by Siva and the poison was removed and got back his original colour.










Sthala Purana says once this place was known as Jambuvanam, where Lord Siva was in Swayambu lingam form even before four Yugams. It says Lord Vishnu, Chandeekeswarar, Brahma and Sundarar worshiped Lord Siva in all the four yugams respectively. Intially there was a small stone sanctum for Lord Siva. Later Chera, Chola and Pandya Kings constructed the temple with prakarams. Sukara Bagwan installed and worshiped a Siva Lingam in Varnasi for long period. Lord Siva was pleased with his worship and Lord bestowed him with Sanjivni Mantra which gives life to dead person.




Asuras made Sukra as their Guru. When there was a war with Asuras and Devas, Sukra the Asura guru, gave life to every Asura killed by Devas. So Devas approached Lord Siva to help them. Lord Siva swallowed Sukra, who was there for long time in meditating. Finally Lord Siva gave him a place in Navagraha and asked him to bestow mankind with wealth according to their good and bad deeds. Sukra installed, a Siva Lingam here in this place ”Thiru Navaloore” and worshiped. There is a belief one who visits the temple in this place are relieved of Sukra Dosha.



Sundarar sang Hymns on Lord Siva. Arunagiri nadhar sang Thirupugazh on Lord Murugan of this temple.

Mel Kadambur / Kadambar, Arulmigu Amirtha kadeswarar temple. Kattumannar Koil, Cuddlore District.

Mel Kadambur / Kadambar:  Arulmigu Amirtha kadeswarar temple.

This temple is one of the Nadu Naadu Devara Sthalams. The temple is about 5 kms distance to SW from Kattumannaar Koil on the bank of River Kollidam.

The main Raja Gopuram is of three tiers.

Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Arulmigu Amirtha kadeswarar facing east and his consort Vidhyujyothi Nayaki Amman in different sanctum. Sun rays falls on Siva Lingam on 3, 4, and 5, of Panguni Month (March and April). Moon rays falls on Siva Lingam in the Month of Iyppasi full- moon day.

The temple is constructed with stones. It is like a Chariot. We can see horses also to the chariot in the front sides.

Vinayakar in this temple is known as Aravara Vinayakar in separate sanctum. He looks serious leaning his head slightly to left.

Athithi, mother of Devas worshipped Lord Siva in this place which was not liked by Devendran. So Indra wanted to take away the Lord Amirthakadeswar to his place. He turned the temple as Chariot and pulled it. Vinayakar wanted to teach him a lesson by pressing the Chariot. So the left wheel is struck to earth.

Sthala Vruksham is Kadamba Vruksham

Teertham is Sakthi teertham

As we go around the prakaram, we see Kanni Vinayakar, Murugan, Ardhanareeswarar, Uma Maheswarar, Agyasthyar, Nalwar, Meenakshi, Lakshmi, Lingothbavar, Brahma, Chandekeswarar, Durgai, Navagraham and Chandikeswarar.

To the outer wall of the main sanctum we see beautiful sculptures.

Here we see Kanni Vinayakar, Agasthyar, Devandran and Ardhanareeswarar.

Durga Matha.

Alingana moorthy.

   

 Gangadharar.

Lord Brahma, Parvatha Rajan and Chitraguptan to left of Brahma. Pathanjali muni and Gangadharar are seen to right of Lord Brahma.

Lord Dakshina Moorthy.

Here on top of Dakshina Moorthy we see a sculpture of Dakshina Moorthy with Veena in his hand and above that we see another Sculpture of Dakshina moorthy with flute in his hand.

Ardhanareeswarar.

Kala Bairavar.

Saneeswarar

Veerabadrar.

Lord Murugan received his Bow to destroy Sooran, by worshipping Lord Siva in this temple. Sani Baghwan in the temple is seen with Eagle as his vahana. Purana says King Dasaradha gave crow to Sani Bhagawan who replaced it for eagle. The Moorthy is older to Ramayana period.

When Devas churned the Ocean, pot of nectar was given to Lord Indra. They tried to consume the Amirtam without worshipping Lord. Vinayakar angrily took away the nectar pot to teach them a lesson. When Vinayaka was passing through this place a drop of nectar fell down and this formed as Siva Lingam. Hence the Lord is known as Amirtakadeswarar.

The place was full of Kadamba Vruksham; hence the place is known also known as Kadambar

Sthala Purana says Devas and Indra, realized their mistake and worshipped Lord Siva in this place and received the nectar from Him. Lord Siva stayed back in this place as Amirthakadeswarar. When Indra was not able to lift the chariot temple from this place he worshipped Lord Vinayaka to help him. Lord Vinayaka agreed and asked Indra to install one Crore Lingam and he accepted the challenge. Due to his pride he failed in his attempt. Indra worshipped Lord Siva who asked him to make a Siva Lingam chanting his name thousand times. Indra made Rudrakoteeswara and worshipped him.

Lord Amirthakadeswarar appeared before him and he said he wished to stay back in this place. It is believed that Indra worships Lord Siva of this temple daily.

Importance of the temple is there is Urchava idol of Rishba Thandava Moorthy with 10 hands. Special Pooja is performed on pradosha days of New, Full Moon. Here we see Goddess Parvathy, Lord Vishnu, Lord Vinayaka, Bairava, and Veerabadrar, Maharishis like Narada, Brungi, Mruganda, Nandi Devar, Gandrava and Boodha Ganas watching the Thandavam.   

Goddess Vidhyujyothi Nayaki Amman is considered to posses the Sakthi of Goddess Saraswathy, Goddess Maha Lakshmi and Goddess Durga matha. In the morning she graces as Goddess Saraswathy with Veena, in the midday with Elephant as Goddess Maha Lakshmi, and in the evening as Goddess Durga Matha with Tridend. Hence the name Vidyajyothi Nayaki

Navagraha worship Lord Siva here. So Lord Siva is dreesed with cloth of respective colors. The temple is regarded as Navagraha Parihara Sthalam

Thiru Navukkarasar, Thiru Gyana Sambandhar, Mannikkavachakar and Sundarar have worshiped and sang Hymns praising the Lord Siva. Arunagiri Nadhar sang Thirupugazh on Lord Murugan.

Arulmigu Brahmapureeswarar Temple, Thirukadayoore Mayanam, Nagapattinam.

Arulmigu Brahmapureeswarar Temple, Thirukadayoore Mayanam, Nagapattinam.



This temple is One of 275 Devara Sthalam. The temple is about a kilometer distance from Thirukadayoore and about 30 kms from Mailaduthurai.









The entrance Gopuram to the temple is incomplete.








As we enter in we walk a little distance to reach the entrance to three tier inner temple gopuram.









Here we see Nandi to a mandapam in front of the temple.










We see a mandapam with pillars which leads to the main sanctum.




Main Deity is Siva lingam known as Brahmapureeswarar, and his consort known as Ammalakuja Nayaki / Malar kuzal minnami.










This is Sanctum of Malarkuzal ammai. She is seen in standing posture










Sri Brahmapureeswarar sanctum gopuram view.









As we go around the temple we see separate sanctum for Ganapathy and other deities like Subramanyar, Durgai, Perumal, Dakshina Moorthy and Chandikeswarar with his consort are seen.




Importance of the place is here Lord Murugan is known as Singaravelan and seen with Valli and Devayanai. He is seen with Bow and arrow in his hand, Rudraksham garland to his neck and is seen with cahppal to his feet. He looks like a warrior here. This is something unique in this place. Here we see a Chandikeswarar, who is known as Guha Chandikeswarar. Vinayakar is known as Pranava Vinayakar in this place.




Sthala Purana: At the end of the Yuga everything is demolished. Once again in the beginning of next yuga Brahma was reborn and he was given the power of creation, for evolution. Brahma was preached Gyana Upadesa about the secret of creation, by Lord Siva to continue with his work of creation. Hence Lord Siva is known as Brahampureeswarar here.



Sundarar sang Hymns on Brahamapureeswarar of this temple.

Keevalore Temple, Keez velore, Thiruvarore.

Keevalore Temple: Keez velore, Thiruvarore.



The place Keezh Velore is about 36 Kms from Thiruvarore to Nagapattinam route. The temple is One of 275 Siva Devara Sthalam. This is a Madakkoil built by Cochengat Cholan.







The temple has main Raja Gopuram of Seven tiers and two prakaram.







Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Kediliappar / Atshya Linga Swamy and his consort known as Vanamoolai Amman / Sundara Kujambikai.







Teertham for the temple is Agni, Brahma, Saravana Poigai, Soorya, Chandra and Kubera teertham. Sthala Vruksham is Badri and Elandhi.








As we go around we other Deities seen here are Bala Subramanyar, Agasthiyar, Viswanadhar, Maha Lakshmi, Kailasa Nadhar, Bragadeeswarar, Annamalai Nadhar, Jambukewarar, Kuberan and Devayindran sanctums. Kalyana Sundarar and Nardhana Ganesa is seen in Maha Mandapam








Importanceof the temple is Natrajar is seen standing with his left leg and his right one is lifted above with ten hands giving his blessings to Agastiya Muni.
Here Goddess sculpture is made of mortar, so there is no abishekam for Ambal.



Lord Murugan worshiped Lord Siva of this place to get rid of the dosham by killing Soorapaduman. He made a pushkarani by his Velayudaham. When he was worshiping Lord Siva he was disturbed by evil things so he prayed Goddess Parvathy to help him. Goddess Parvathy helped Lord Murugan, from all four directions and in the space as Anjuvattathu Amman.


An Asura by name Singathvajan was feeling thirsty, he was asking for water in a louder tone disturbing the Muni, who was meditating. Muni cursed him to become a donkey.
Agsthiyar was penancing at Vindhya parvatham. Here there was a king of the forest who was disturbing the people who visit to Agasthiyar place. Agasthiyar cursed him to become a donkey.


In their next birth the two donkeys were in a business man’s house. He used them to transport commodities. Once they came to this temple with their master and drank the water in the Brahma pushkarani, and they were able to look into their previous birth and started conversing amoung them. The master was afraid at the donkeys speaking like human beings and he left them. They went around the temple and heard a voice asking them to take bath, worship Lord Siva on Full moon day of Adi (July) for four days and drink the Water of Brahma Pushkarani. They will get back to normal human form.
Markandeya worshiped Lord Siva here.



Thiru Gyana Sambandhar sang Hymns on Lord Siva.

Arulmigu Vaimoore Nadhar: Thiruvaimoore, Nagapattinam District

Arulmigu Vaimoore Nadhar: Thiruvaimoore, Nagapattinam District.



The place Thiru Vaimoore is about 3 kms from Thiru Kuvalai. This temple is One of 275 Siva Devara Sthalam, and One of Saptha Vidanga Sthalam. The main gopuram of the temple is of three tiers and single prakaram.







Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Arulmigu Vaimoore Nadhare and his consort known as Ksheeroba vasini / Palenum men mozhiaal Ammai. Sthala Vruksham is Pala Maram ( Jack fruit tree) and Teertham is Soorya teertham.



Importance : Niagara’s are facing towards same direction in a line. Here in this place Thyagrajar is known a Neela vidangar. The dance of Natarajar is known as “Kamala Natanam, and Simhasanam is Rathna Simhasanam”. Sooya worshiped Lord Siva here, and Sun light falls on Siva Lingam and Ambal, during 12 & 13day of Panguni.(third week of April). Tarakasuran harassed Brahma and Devas, so disguised as birds and worshiped Lord Siva in this place. They were blessed By Lord Siva.







Other deities seen in the temple are Vinayakar, Murugan, Thyagarajar, Thirumarai Kaadar, Natarajar and Nalvar sanctum.



Thiru Gyna Sambandhar and Thiru Navukkarasar sang Hymns on Lord Siva of this temple. Sundarar has mentioned about this place in his works

Thiru Karaveeram / Vadakandam, and Thiru Peruveloore Temples.

1. Vadakandam / Thiru Karaveeram
   
   
   
   This is one of 275 Siva Devara Sthalam
   
   
   
   
   
   
   The place Thiru Karaveeram is about a km from Thiru kannamangai, which is 7 kms from Thiruvarore.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Main deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Arulmigu Thiru Karaveera Nadhar and his consort known as Prathyaksha Minnammai. Lingam in the temple is big in size.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Sthala vruksham is Arali and teertham Anavaradha teertham.
   
   
   
   Gowthamar worshiped Lord Siva of this place. Karaveeram means Ponnarali. Since the Sthala Vruksham is Arali the place is known as Karaveeram.
   
   
   
   
   Thiru Gyana Sambandhar sang Hymns on Lord Siva of this place.
   
   
   
   
   
2. Manakkkaal / Thiru Peruveloore:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   The place Peruvelore is about 10 kms from Nannilam. The main Raja Gopuram is of five tiers. This is a madakkoil built by Cochengat Cholan.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   As we enter in, we see Dwajasthambam.
   
   
   
   Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Arulmigu Abimukeswarar and his consort known as Elavarkuzhali.
   
   
   Teertham is Saravana Poigai, and Sthala Vruksham is Vanni Maram.
   
   
   We see Vinayakar and Arthanareeswar in the ground level.
   
   
   
   We climb few steps to reach the Maha mandapam which leads to an Artha mandapam and Main sanctum.
   
   
   
   There is a sanctum for Ambal seen in the maha mandapam. She is seen in sitting posture like Raja Rajeswari. There is Sri Chakkra installed here. Origin of Lalitha Trisathy was in this place.
   
   
   
   Sanctum for Lord Subramanyar is placed in-between Lord Siva and Ambal, which is in the form of Somaskandha moortham.
   
   
   
   We see kala Bairavar, Bairavar and Vaduga Bairavar in this temple.
   
   
   
   
   Importance is Lord Murugan penance in this place and received Velayudham from Goddess. Pushakarani was made by him, and it is named as Saravana Poigai.
   Gowthamar worshiped Lord Siva of this place. Ganga Devi worshiped Lord Siva here to get rid of her sins, and she was blessed by Him
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   There is a sanctum for Lord Vishnuhere. Lord Vishnu took Mohini avathar to distribute nectar among Devas and Asura. Once the mission was over he worshiped Lord Siva here to get back to his normal form.
   
   
   
   
   The place is Parihara sthalam of Lord Sukra. One who stammers, worship lord Siva in this place will be curd and blessed.
   
   
   
   Thiru Gyana Sambandhar and Thiru Navukkarasar sang Hymns on Lord Karaveera Nadhar. Sundarar has mentioned about this place in his composition. Arunagiri nadhar Sang Thirupugazh on Lord Murugan here.