Thiru Neiythanam / Thillai sthanam: Neyyadiappar Temple. Tanjavoore Dt.

Thiru Neiythanam / Thillai sthanam: Neyyadiappar Temple.



The place Neiythanam is about 2 kms west of Thiruvayaaru. This is one of the 275 Devara Sthalams of Tanjavoore Dt. Thillai Sthanam is seventh temple of Saptha Sthana Sthalam.








Main Raja Gopuram is of five storeys. There are two prakaram in the temple.





Dwajasthambam.



Sthala Vruksham is Vilvam and Teertham is River Cauvery.



Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Sri Kruthapureeswarar/ Neiyyadiappar and his consort known as Balaambikai Amman Illamangai Ammai seen in separate Temple here.



Here daily abishekam for Lord Siva is performed with Ghee and later with hot water hence he is known as Neiyyadiappar.




Shrines for Lord Vinayakar and Murugan are seen in inner prakaram of the temple.
As we go around the prakaram we see Nardhana Ganapathy, Dakshina Moorthy in standing posture, Lingothbavar and Brahama as Goshta Deivam around the sanctum of Lord Siva.
Goddess Saraswathy worshiped Lord Siva in this place.









During festival time Lord Iyarappar and his consort Aram Valartha Nayaki visit all seven temples known as Saptha Sthana Sthalams. The seven places are Thiru Pazhanam, Thiru Chottru thurai, Thiru Vedikudi , Thiru Kandiyoore , Thiru Poondthuruthi and Thiru Neiyathanam. This temple Thilla sthanam is seventh temple of Saptha sthanam. One can have darshan of all urchava idols in seven palanquins of Saptha Sthana Sthalams.




A cow in this region was pouring its milk in a place habitually in a specific place. The milk turned into Ghee due to climatic condition. When a shepherd tried to find about the cow it disappeared. It was Kamadenu. He reported about this in the village. When they dug the place they found a Siva Lingam. The King built a temple for the Siva Lingam in that place and arranged for Abishekam with Ghee everyday followed by hot water Abishekam.





A devotee of Lord Siva used to visit the temple daily and used to light a lamp with Ghee and on his return he used to pluck leafy vegetable grown in the temple premises. This was happening for a long period. When grew old one day after lighting the lamp he prayed to Lord Siva to show mercy and bless him for having lighted lamp for so many years. The old man heard a voice saying what mercy remains to be shown as he has plucked daily leafy vegetable grown in the temple as wages says the Sthala Puranam.





Thiru Gyana Sambandhar and Thiru Navukkarasar sang hymns on Lord Siva here. Aunagirinadhar sang Thirupugazh on Lord Murugan of this temple. Ottakuthar and Pugazhendi Pulavar (poet) sang on Lord of this place.

Pasupathy Koil, Pasupathy Nadhar Temple, Tanjavoore.

Pasupathy Koil: Pasupathy Nadhar Temple.



The place is about 14 kms from Kumbakonam to Tanjavoore and 2 kms from Iyempettai. The temple tower is of five tiers, and there is only one prakaram in the temple.







This is one of the Devara Sthalam of Tanjavoore and one of the Saptha Sthana Sthalam. (Chakkra Mangai, Soola Mangai, Ariya Mangai, Nandi Mangai Thazha Mangai, Pulla Mangai and Pasu Mangai are Saptha Sthana temples.







The temple is constructed by Cochengat Cholan as Maadak Koil. In the base Nandi is seen in the mandapam Ancient name of the temple is Thiru Pullamangai.



Main Deity in the temple is Swayambu Lingam known as Arulmigu Pasupathy Nadhar / Brahma pureeswarar and His consort known as Soundara Nayaki / Alliyang kodai.




Sthala Vruksham is Baniyan Tree and Teertham is River Cauvery, River Kudamuruti, Kamadenu Teertham and Siva Teertham








Agasthiyar








Dakshina Moorthy




Other deities seen in the temple as Koshta Moortham are Vinayakar, Dakshina Moorthy, Lingothbavar with Brahma and Vishnu, Nalwar, Brahma and Durgai Amman. Nandi is seen among Navagraham. Durgai Amman is like Mahishasura Mardhini with weapons in her hand. Durgai of Thiru Nageswaram Temple, Patteswaram Temple and Thiru Pullanga Managi temple are sculptured by same person in all these three places. Durgai is considered very powerful in all the three temples.









Bairavar










Kamadenu worshiped Lord Siva in this place.





Thiru Gyana Sambandhar sang Hymns on Lord Pasupatheeswarar of this temple.

Thirukoiloore, Veeratteswarar temple. Vizhupuram.

Thirukoiloore: Veeratteswarar temple.



The place is known as Andhaka puram, historically. Thirukoiloore is the city in Vizhupuram. This is one of the Devara Sthalam in Nadu Nadu Temples. The temple is one of the Attaveeratta Sthalam of Lord Siva.








Main Raja gopuram of Veerateswarar Temple.








As we enter inside the main door we see Dwajasthambam in front.



Main Deity is Swayambu Siva Lingam known as Veeratteswarar, with his consort known as Periya Nayaki / Sivananda Valli in different sanctum.







Chariot of the temple.









Sthala Vruksham is Sarakkondrai and Teertham known as River Penna.



Other Deities seen in the temple areVinayakar known as Periyanai Ganapathy, Shanmugar, Dakshina Moorthy, Vishnu Durgai and Chandeekeswarar.




Lord Shanmuga wanted to perform Siva Pooja to get rid of his sin, of destroying Demons. Mother Ambikai showed him the place where Vel from Her hand fell. Hence this place is known as Thiru Kai Vel. Lord Shanmuga performed Siva Pooja here. Arunagirinadhar sang Thirupugazh on Lord Murugan of this temple.










Saint Sundarara and King Cheramaan were going to Kailash. On their way they met Avvaiyar and told her, about their travel to Kailash to meet Lord Siva. Avvaiyar was performing pooja of Lord Ganesha at that time. They left her and proceded on their way to Kailash. Avvaiyar performed her pooja. She placed her request to Lord Vigneswara to fulfill her wish to visit Kailash. Lord Vigneswara took Viswaroopam and left Avvaiyaar her at Kailash even before Saint Sundarar and Cheramaan reached there.
Avvaiyaar sang Vinayakar Agaval on Lord Vigneswara of this temple. Hence the Vinayakar here is known as Periyanai Ganapathy.




With the efforts of Avvaiyaar and Poet Kapilar, marriage of Angavai and Sangavai, (daughters of King Pari Vallal) with King Deiveekan was celebrated in this place. Poet Kapilar lived in this place. There is a rock here known as Kapilar Hill, on which he was sitting. This is the birth place of two Nayanmars, Meiporul Nayanar and Narasinga munairayar.










Sthala Purana says Lord Siva destroyed Demon Antakasura in this place. Anthakara means Ignorance. Once Goddess Parvathy closed the eyes of Lord Siva ,due to which the whole Universe was filled with darkness. Demon Anthakara came out of the darkness. Lord Siva hit, Demon Anthakara on his head with the club in his hand. Blood drops that fell on ground turned to be a Demon. Goddess Parvathy started collecting the blood in a bowl. The blood that fell down became 8 vertical and 8 horizontal lines cross wise and formed into 64 squares. Lord Siva created 64 Bairavas with His power for 64 squares to prevent the production of Demons further. Thus Devas were blessed by Lord. Thus Vastu sastra started from this place. Lord Siva is considered residing here with the powers of Bairava.




Sundarar, Appar and Gyana Sambandhar sang Hymns on Lord Siva of this place.

Siddhalinga matam, Devara vaippu sthalam.

Siddhalinga matam: This place is one of the Devara Vaippu Sthalam.



The place is about 10 kms SE of Thiru koiloore on the south bank of River Penna.








The Raja Gopuram of the temple is of three tiers.







As we enter we see Dwajasthambam.








Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Vyagya Padhar and his consort known as Neela Visalakshi Amman. The Swayambu Lingam came up under Kondrai Vruksham.



Other Deities seen in the temple are Vinayakar, Murugan, Dakshina Moorthy, Durgai, Natarajar, Chandikeswarar, Bairavar and Navagraham.







Temple Pushkarani.




Here in this place Vinayakar and Sundarar had discussion, hence Vinayakar is known as Vadhadum Vinayakar.



Vyagyapadha Muni worsiped Lord Siva here and was blessed by Lord. Hence, Lord Siva in this place is known as Vyagyapadhar.



Sundarar sang hymns on Lord Siva of this temple.

Thiru Edaiyaru, Arulmigu Marundeesar Temple. Vizhupuram.

Thiru Edaiyaru: Arulmigu Marundeesar Temple.




The place Edaiyaru is about 16 SE of Thiru Koiloore. The place is in-between River Malattaru and River Penna, hence the place is known as Edayaru.This place is one of Nadu Nadu Devara Sthalams




The place is known as Edayaru and the temple is known as Thiru Maruthanthurai.









The main Raja Gopuram is of three tiers with single Prakaram facing west.









Teertham is Chitridai Teertham in the form of well. Sthala Vruksham is Marudham.









Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Arulmigu Marundeesar / Edaiyatru Nadhar with his consort known as Gyanaambikai Amman in standing posture is seen in separate sanctum.
















Other deities seen in the temple are Bala Ganapathy, Murugan, Durgai, Dakshina Moorthy, Nalwar, Saptha Kanniyar, Chandekesar, Navagraham, Agasthiyar and Suka Muni.





Bala Ganapathysanctum is seen in-betweem Lord Siva and Goddess Gyanambikaisanctum. NormallyLord Subramanya is seen in this form which is known as Somaskanda moortham. This is something unique. Bala Ganapathy is seen with four hands. He is holding Sweet and Jack fruit in his two upper hands and in one of the lower hand he is holding Sugarcane and the other one is in the the form of Abhaya Hastham.





Suka Muni, Brahma, Agasthiyar, Sundarar and Marai Gyana Sambandhar worshiped Lord Siva of this place. Agasthiya Muni installed a Siva Lingam and worshiped and he was blessed by Lord in this place. We see the Lingam worshiped by Agasthiya muni is known as Agasthiya Lingam. There is a sculpture of Sage Agasthiya in the temple. Lord Murugan of this place is known as Kaliyuga Ramapillayar. This is the birth place of Thiru Marai Gyana Sambandhar.










Sukabrahma Rishi worshiped Lord Siva in this place and attained Mukthi. We find Sukar statue under the Marudha Vruksham. We see lot of Parrots in the temple here.




Sthala Purana says A muni in the form of Parrot overheard Siva Rahyasam, while Lord Siva was preaching it Goddess Parvathy. The muni was cursed by Lord Siva to take birth on earth with parrot face. Muniworshiped Lord Siva and asked for solution to get out of the curse. Lord Siva said he would be born to Veda Vyasa as his child and asked him to worship him at Thiru Marundhurai/ Edaiyaru under the Marudha Vruksham. The Muni had the face of Parrot and hr performed penance as told by Lord Siva under the Marudha Vruksham of Edaiyaru. He learnt about Brahamam and attained Mukthi. Hence he was known as Sukhabrahama Rishi.There are about 18 Stone inscriptions are seen in the temple.




Sundarar sang Hymns on Lord Siva of this temple.

Gramm, Siva Loka Nadhar Temple, Vizhupuram.

Gramm: Siva Loka Nadhar Temple. This is one of Nadu Nadu Devara Sthalam.


The place Gramam is about 23Kms NE of Ulundoorpettai on the south bank of Malataru.







The Raja Gopuram is of five tiers. There is only one prakaram



The sanctums of Lord Siva, Ambal and Subramanyar are in Somaskand form. Subramanyar sanctum is in-between Lord Siva and goddess







Near the entrance of Gopuram unlike other temples Vinayakar and Muruganposition is changed



Sthala Vruksham is Vanni. Teertham known as Brahma Teertham







Main Deity is Swayambu Siva Lingam known as Arulmigu Sivaloka Nadhar/ Mundeesurar, with his consort Known as Kanaar Kuzhali / Soundara Nayaki in different sanctum.












Other Deitiies seen, while we go around the prakaram are Vinayakar sanctum, Murugan sanctum, Natarajar, Dakshina Moorthy sanctum, Iyanar, Duragai.








Saptha Madhar, sanctum and Navagraham. Vinayakar is known as Varasiddhi Vinayakar.







Dakshina Moorthy here is seen seated on Nandi, on a mountain. Here kallala maram is missing




Sthala purana says originally Lord Siva was on Lotus flour in pushakarani. Later The Siva Lingam was installed by King Chokkalingam in the temple.
Tindi and Mundi the Dwarapalakar of Lord Siva worshiped here and they were blessed.



Stone inscriptions mentions the name of the place was Mudicharamin olden days later the place is known as Thiru Mundecharam. It is mentioned the place was known as Gramam.in olden days.



Lord Siva offered a bag full of Vibuthi (Pokkanam) to King Veerapandiyan. Hence he is known as Pokkanam kodutha Nayanar.



Brahma and Devandran worshiped Lord Siva here in this place.Thiru Navukkuarasar sang Thiru Thondaga Thiru Padigam on Lord Siva.

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.

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.