Sri Thuoovai Nadhar Temple and Thiru Oogai Perayur temple. Thiruvaroore.

1) Sri Thuoovai Nadhar Temple.




This temple is in Keezai Veedi of Thiruvaroore Thayagesar Temple opposite to chariot shed. This is one of the 275 Devara Sthalams. The historical name of the temple is Paravayul maandali. The temple was under the sea as a sand temple.



Sthala Vruksham is Jack Tree, and Teertham known as Akasha Teertham. The location of the tank to south east corner is something special according to Vastu rules.



Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Thooai Nadhar and his consort known as Panjinmeladi Ammai. Urchavar of the temple is known as Sathyavakeeswarar. There is an eye symbol on Siva Lingam which is visible at the time of Abishekam.





Vinayakar in the temple graces here, as Siddhi Vinayakar. It is said that all idols in the temple were made by Viswakarma the Devine sculptor.





Sthala Purana says when the tides of sea burst and threatened destruction of the world, Devas and Sages worshiped Lord Siva for protection. Lord Siva told them if a tank is dug to the Agni Corner of southeast. Then Prayers to be performed so that tides would subside and lives would be saved. Durvasa maharishi did everything according to the instructions. Pleased with devotee’s prayers Lord Siva absorbed the fury of the sea and lives were saved. Lord Siva is also known as Durvas Nayanar.




Saint Sundarar regains his vision in this temple. One who has problem regarding eyes, if the tank dip in the tank and worship Lord Siva with (red) Sevarali Garland there problem regarding eyes will be solved says Sthala Purana.
Saint Sundarar made a promise to his second wife Sangili Nachiyar that he would never part with her at any instance. Once he wanted to see his first wife Paravai Nachiyar, and he left for Thiruvaroore. By violating the promise to his second wife Sangili Nachiyar he lost his vision. Sundarar started visiting temples and worshiped Lord Siva to restore his eyes. He praised Lord Siva with Hymns in the temples which he visited. When he reached Ekambareswarar temple of Kancheepuram he was blessed by Lord Ekambareswarar with his left eye sight with the recommendation of his consort Goddess Kamakshi.




When Sundarar reached Thiruvaroore and offered his prayers to bless him, his vision. Lord asked him to take a dip in the tank and then worship Lord Siva in the temple. Sundarar did as he was instructed by Lord, who graced Sundarar his right eye sight here in this place. The eyes seen on Siva Lingam is considered as an evidence of Sundarar getting back his vision




Sundarar sang Hymns on Lord Siva of this Temple.



2) Thiru Oogai Perayur: Jagadeeswarar Temple.


The place is about 3kms from Kamala Puram, which is about 20 kms from Thiruvaroore to Manarkudi route via Lakshmankudi. This temple is one of the 275 Devara Sthalams.



Main Raja Gopuram is of three tiers and single prakaram facing east.



Teertham is Agni teertham seen in front of the temple. Sthala vruksham is Naarthai (citric Tree).



Main Deity is Swayambu Siva Lingam known as Jagadeeswarar and his consort known as Jagan Nayaki / Penamirtha Nayaki.



As we go around the prakaram, deities seen in the temple are Karpaga Vinayakar, Murugan, Dakshina Moorthy, Lingothbavar, Mahalakshmi, Durgai, Ayyanaar, Bairavar, Natarjar, Soorya and Chandran.



Thiru Navukkarasar sang Hymns on Lord Siva of this temple. Lady poet Muruvalar, who belongs to this place has sung Hymns which is added to Kurunthogai and Purananooru.

Thiru Mazhapadi, Sri Vaidhyanadhar Temple, Ariyalore.

Thiru Mazhapadi, Sri Vaidhyanadhar Temple.



This place Thiru Mazhapadi is about 28 kms south of Ariyaloore on the banks of River Kollidam.




This place is one of the 274 Siva Devara Sthalams.









The Main Raja Gopuram is of seven tiers. There are three prakaram in the temple.








We see Nandi in a mandapam and Dwajasthambam to front.








As we enter in we see two more Nandi here.







Teertham is River Kollidam, Lakshmi and Sivagangai Teertham.











Sthala Vruksham is Palm Tree.










The place was full of Palm tree hence it is known as Talavanam. Lord Siva with his Mazhu (axe like weapon) blessed Sage Markandeya, hence the place is also known as Mazhapadi.










Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Arulmigu Vaidhyanadhar / Mazhuvadeesar and his consort known as Soundaraambikai and Balambikai in separate Shrines.



As we go around the prakaram we see deities like Sundara Vinayakar, Murugan, Akora Veerabadharar,









Somaskandar, Meenakshi, Durgai, Thirumaal, Mahalakshmi, Sundarar, Meenakshi, Chokkanadhar, Durgai, Jurahareswarar, Kalasamhara Moorthy, Kathyayini, Natarajar









We see two Dakshina Moorthy in the temple.









Lord Somaskandar idol is made of single stone.










In the shrine of Lord Brahma we see four Nandi represting four Vedas.









We see kalyana Mandapam named as Nandi Kalyana Mandapam.
Nandikeswarar and Suasambikai marriage took place in this place in the Tamil month Panguni (March / April) on the day of Punarpusam star. This day is celebrated every year as a festival in this temple.




Sthala Purana says Sage Siladha muni of Thiruvayaru performed penance on Lord Siva to bless him with child. He heard a voice asking him to perform Putharakamesti yagam. He was told he will find a child in a box while he is preparing the land for Yagnam. He was asked to bring up that child, who is blessed with just 16 years of life span.



Sage while he tilled the land found the box and when he opened it he found a child in it with three eyes four shoulders and crescent moon adoring the head. He was surprised and closed the box. Once again when he opened the box he saw a child in it. He took the child and named him as Japesar. As the child grew the sage was worried and sad. When the child was fourteen years he started penancing with single leg on the bank of Ayana teertham of Thiruvayaru. His penance was so severe the creatures in the tank started consuming his body. Lord Siva was pleased with his penance, cured him and blessed him long life.




Japesar was married to Suasambikai in Thirumazapadi. Japaser continued his penance even after the marriage. He was made chief of the Siva Ganas. He was named as Nandi Devar and he is security chief at the first gate of Kailash.



Sundarar, Thiru Navukkarasar and Thiru Gyana Sambandhar sang hymns on Lord Siva here. Stone inscriptions of Chola, Pandya and Hoysala period are found.

Thiru Needoore, Arulmigu Somanadhar temple. Nagapattinam Dt.

Thiru Needoore: Arulmigu Somanadhar temple.



The place is about 5kms to north of Mailaduthurai. The place is also known as Vakularanya Kshetram.






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This temple is one of the, Devara Sthalam temple of Nadu Nadu.









The temple Raja Gopuram and we see two prakarams in the temple. Vimanam over the main sanctum is of two layers.








Nandi is seen in a mandapam.




Sthala Vruksham is Magizha Maram (Tree) and there are nine teertham for the temple.









Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Arulmigu Somanadhar and his consort known as Veyuru tholi Ammai / Veda Nayaki Amman. Urchavar, in the temple here is known as Soma Skandar.



As we go around the prakaram we see Kailasa Nadhar, Siva Lokanadhar, Kasi Viswanadhar, Murugan, Vinayakar, Saptha Kanniyar, Natarajar and Aanandha Thandava Moorthy.Vinayakar here is known as Siddhi Vinayakar.




Vinayakar is seen in three forms as big, old and wise which are represented as Chintamani Vinayakar, Selva Maha Vinayakar and Sivaandha Vinayakar. Before starting any new work people come here worship Vinayakar and with his guidance they start the work.




Sthala Purana says once when Indran came down to Bhoolokam he was not able to find a Siva Lingam to do his daily morning worship of Lord Siva. He collected sand from the Cauveri River bed and made a Siva Lingam and performed his pooja. He sang a song to have darshan of Lord Siva dancing. Lord Siva was pleased with his song and gave darshan for him as he wished. So Lord Siva here is also known as Gana Nardhana Sankaran. When he left the place, he left the Siva Lingam here. We can see the finger prints on the Siva Lingam.




King Danmadha Sudhan due to his Karma in previous birth was born as a crab in his next birth. The King approached Sage Naradha who guided him to worship Lord Siva in this place to get rid of his karma and gain Moksha. The king took bath in River Cauvery and worshiped Lord Siva as he was guided by Naradha Muni. Lord Siva appeared and blessed the king. Lord Siva made hole in the Lingam and the Crab (King) entered inside this hole and attained Moksha. The hole is there in the Siva Lingam.




Lord Sooryan worshiped Goddess here hence she is known as Adithya Abhya varadha Ambikai. Sani Bagwan is seen in the mandapam in front of Goddess. One who worships Goddess here in this place gets rid from the power of Sani Dosha.



Sundarar and Thiru Navukkarasar sang Hymns on Lord Siva of this place.

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.

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.

Thiru Erukkattham pulior / Thiru Kumaraswamy Temple, Rajendra Pattinam, Cuddlore District.

Thiru Erukkattham pulior / Thiru Kumaraswamy Temple:

The place is about 12 kms south of Vrudhachalam. The temple is one of the Nadu Nadu Devara Sthalam. This place is birth place of Thiru Neela kanda Yazhpanar who is one of the 63 nayanmars.

The Main Raja gopuram is of five storeys. There are two prakarams in the temple.

Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Arulmigu Thiru Kumaresar / Swetharanyeswarar facing east and his consort known as Veeraamulai Amman / Abinna Kusa Nayaki seen in separate sanctum. Here the rays of Sun fall on Lord Siva from March 16 to 20.

Sthala Vruksham is Vellerrukku plant. The Errukku plant has medicinal value of curing Leprosy.

Here Teertham is known as Gandha, Sengkazhuneer and Neela Teertham.

As we go around the inner prakaram, we see sanctum of Siddhi Vinayakar, Nardhana Vinayakar, Subramanyar seen with Valli and Devasenai , Kasi Viswanadhar, Visalakshi Amman, Lakshmi, Narayanar, Dakshina murthy, Chatta nadhar, Brahma, Chandikeswarar, Arunachaleswarar, Nalvar, Sooryan, Bairavar, Saneeswarar and Navagraham.

We see Thiruneelakanda Yazhpanar and Madhangasulamani Ammai sculptures in the outer prakaram.

Sthala Purana says Deva Ganas worshiped Lord Siva, to know about the sacred Siva Sthalam where one can attain Mukthi. Lord Pazhamalai Nadhar said Urukattham Pulioor. Deva Ganas came to this place and worshiped Lord Siva, hence the place is known as Ganesuram. 

King of Madhurapuri stayed in this place and worshiped Lord Siva to bless him with a child. By Lords grace he was with blessed with child who was named as Rajendran hence the place is known as Rajendra Pattinam.

A Brahmin was penancing for Lord Siva’s blessings in this place, for sake of a child. Here, when  a Tiger was about to attack the Brahmin, a hunter killed the animal. Due to the good deed, he was born as sage with Tigers feet, and he worshiped Lord Siva of this place and the place is known as Pulioor.

King Suvedhan who was ardent devotee of Lord Siva was infected with Leprosy due to his past sins. The King had dip in the pushkarani of this temple and worshiped Lord Siva here. The king was relieved of Leprosy. 

Once, Lord Siva was preaching about the meaning of Vedas and Agamas to Goddess Parvathy Devi in Kailash. Parvathy Devi was not very attentive about what Lord Siva was preaching. She was punished for this act to be born on Earth. Lord Murugan did not like this and in anger he threw the Vedas in sea. Lord Siva cursed him for his act to be born dumb in trader’s community. Lord Murugan in the name of Rudrasanman was born dumb by birth to Talapathy and Gunasalini. When he grew old he visited many Siva temples seeking relief. When he visited this place Erukkatham Pulior and worshiped Lord Siva here, who blessed him with speaking skills. Hence the Lord here is known as Arulmigu Thiru Kumaresar. There is an idol for Rudrasanman in this temple.

Gyana Sambandhar, Sundarar and Thiru Navukkarasar sang hymns on Lord Siva of this temple. Arunagiri Nadhar sang Thitupugazh on Lord Murugan.

Thiru Kaannattam Puliur, Arulmigu Patanjali Nadhar Temple. Kattumannr Koil, Cuddlore Dt.

Thiru Kaannattam Puliur: Arulmigu Patanjali Nadhar Temple.

The temple is one of the Siva Devara Sthalam of Nadu Nadu Temples. This is also one of the Pancha Puliur Kshetram.

This is main Raja gopuram of temple is of three tiers. There are two prakaram in the temple.

Main Deity in the temple is small Swayambu Lingam known as Arulmigu Pathanjali Nadhar and his consort known as Kanaar Kuzhali / Ambujakshi Amman. Urchavar is Soma Skandar.

Teertham is Soorya Teertham and River Kollidam.

Sthala Vruksham is Atthy (fig) tree and white Errukku plant

As we go around the inner prakaram we see Vinayakar, Viswanadhar, Visalakshi, Gaja Lakshmi, Murugan, Brahman, Thirumaal, Saneeswarar, Pathangali Muni and Sooryan sanctums.

Here in this temple Dakshina Murthy is seen sitting. Kallala Maram is missing, which is unusual. We also see Lord Krishna in-between two Nagam and Siva lingam in-between two Nagam.

Lord Nataraja is seen with his left leg is moved a little forward and his body bent slightly backward. Purana says he danced here to grace Patanjali Muni. Here in the temple Patanjali Muni is seen with Nalwar. It is believed to be Naga Dosha parihara Sthalam. 

Patanjali Muni worshiped Lord Siva of this temple. Hence the name here for Lord Siva is Patanjaleeswarar. We see sculpture of Patanjali Muni in the temple.

Sthala Purana says Adisheshan in paarkadal disguise himself as Patanjali muni and worshipped Lord Siva here. Lord Siva graced him by performing Aanandha Thaandavam.  Patanjali requested him to bless him with his Aananda Thandavam and Lord Siva obliged and in some of the places Patanjali muni had darshan of Aananda Thandavam. Lord Siva was happy to add his devotee Patanjali's name, before his name. So he is known here as Pathanjaleeswarar.

Sundarar sang Hymns on Lord Siva of this place.

Chidambaram Temple, Cuddlore District.

Chidambaram Temple:    Cuddlore District.

The place Chidambaram / Thillai is about 44 kms from Cuddlore. This is One of the Nadu Nadu Devara sthalam, and one of the Pancha Boodha Sthalam which denotes Space/ Akashya.

Raja Gopuram is of seven tiers. There are four prakaram in the temple.

Sthala Vruksham is Thillai Maram. Once the place was dense with Thillai tree and hence the name was Thillai. Now we do not find these trees here. There is a Thillai tree, made of stone seen in west prakaram of Thiru moolattanaar sanctum

Teertaham is Siva Gangai, Anantha teertham, Brahma teertham, Vyaghyapadhar teertham, and Thiru parkadal.

Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Arulmigu Thiru Moolattaneswarar and his consort known as Sivakami Amman in Seperate temple with two prakaram near the tank.

 

To inner prakaram we see sanctums of Polla Pillyar, Murugan, Kala Biravar, Spatika Lingam, Maragadha Lingam, Sundaresar, Durgai, Govinda rajar, Navagraham,

Greatness of the temple: Natarajar in Thillai is more important. Thandavam here known as Ananda Thandavam. Next to him a there is a small sanctum which is covered by screen. During Aarathi time they remove the screen where we see only a Thiruvasi to which a garland of golden Vilva is hung. This denotes God is in the form of space (Akasha) which has neither the end nor the beginning. This is what known as “Chidambara Rahasyam”

King Chola and Nambiandaar Nambi worshipped Pollaa pillayar of Thiru Narayoor. They were blessed by Pillayar and came to know the place as Thillai, where Hymns sung and signed by Sundarar, Thiru Navukkuarasar and Thiru Gyana Sambandhar were collected and kept.  When they searched in that place they found Hymns were fully covered by Puttru (mud). Many of them were damaged and rest they preserved carefully.

Govinda Raja perumaal sannidhi is near Natarajar Sannidhi. There is a separate dwajasthambam for perumal temple. Govinda raja perumal is one 108  Divya Desa perumal. In front of the perumal if we stand on the platform we can darshan of Perumal, Natarajar and Lord Brahma.

Periya puranam of Sekzhiar was inaugurated in thousand pillar mandapam of this temple

Nanadnar a staunch devotee of Lord Siva wanted to visit the temple. Nandanar was a dalit farm worker. His master (upper class) denied grant him leave, since he was not entitled the previlage of worship.  Nandanar did not leave his hope. Finally one day when he came to Chidambaram he was not allowed to enter inside the Temple.  He tried to get the glimpse of Lord Siva from the entrance. Since Nandi was in front of Lord Siva, he was not able to view Him. Lord Siva was happy with his devotion and Nandi was asked to move to a side, for Nandanar to have darshan. Nandanar attained salvation here and he merged with Lord Siva.

There are Five Sabhas in the temple namely Chittrambalam, Ponnambalam, Perambalam, Nirudha Sabha and Rajtha Sabha. 

Sages Patanjali and Vyagyapadar were blessed to view the dance of Lord Siva in Kailas. They were happy and they wanted people on earth also to be blessed like this. They penanced for this purpose to Adhimoolar. Lord was happy with their selfless penance and responded. Lord Siva along with 3000 sages came to this place and performed Dance Darshan in the month of Thai (Jan-Feb) at 12 AM. on Poosa Nakshtra. These 3000 sages then came to known as Thillai Moovayiravar.

It is said there is a similarity in the design of Natarajar sanctum and human body.

Nataraja shrine has 21,600 golden tiles engraved with NAMASHIVA Mantram which is equal to number of times one breathes each day. There are 72,000 nails used which represent the nerves of human body. The 9 entrances represent the 9 conveniences in the body which activate our movements. The five steps denote NA Ma SHI VA YA Mantra. There are 64 wodden supports which represent 64 arts. There are 96 windows which refer to 96 philosophies. The 16 pillars denote Pancha Boodham, 6 Sastras and 4 Vedas.

Thiru Gyana Sambandhar, Sundrar and Thiru Navukarasar sang Hymns on Lord Siva. Arunagiri Nadhar sang Thirupugazh on 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.

Melai Thirumanajchery, Nagapattinam.

Melai Thirumanajcheri / Edirkolpadi temple:



The temple is about 6kms from Kuthalam. The place Kuthalam is on the way to Mailaduthurai from Kumbakonam.



This is one of 275 Siva Devara Sthalam. Sundarar sang Hymns on Iravadeeswarar of this temple.







The temple Raja Gopuram is of five tiers.



Main Deity here, in this temple is Swayambu Lingam known as Iravadeeswarar and his concert Known as Sugandha Kunthalambikai.








As we enter in side we see Dwajsthambam and Lord Ganeshais seen at the bottom.









Sthala vruksham of the temple is Utthala Maram. Purana says this vruksham is seen only in this place.









As we enter in there is a small sanctum for Lord Ganesha, and we see Balipeetam behind.













Next we seeNandi Devarin small sanctum.




Within the temple we see Subramanyar, Gaja Lakshmi, Kala Bairavar and Saneeswarar sanctums. As we go around we see Bala Ganapathy, Natrajar, Dakshina Moorthy, Ligothbavar, Brahma, Raghu, Durgai, and Ganga Visarjanar as Kostha moortams.









This is Gopuram view of main sanctum from one side.










Meenakshi Sundareswar, marriage ceremony sculptures seen to one side of the Gopuram.









To one side Guru Dakshina Moorthy, sculpture is seen on top of the gopuram.









Dakshina Moorthy sanctumseen as we go around the main sanctum.









There is a small sanctum for Saraswathy Devi.




We see Ambal Sugandha Kunthalambikai in separate sanctum. She is seen in sitting posture, known as Sukhaasana posture. Ambal deity is small in size in this temple.




Sthala purana says Iravadham worshiped Lord Siva here hence he is known as Iravadewarar. Durvasa muni, once gifted a lotus garland to Indra, which was given to him byLord Siva. Indra took the garland and placed it on his elephant Iravadham,which did not know the value of the garland, and threw it down and stamped. Muni was unable to control his anger and he cursed Indra and Iravath. Indra realised his mistake and asked him to excuse and to let him know the way to get rid of his curse.




Iravath came down to earth and worshiped Lord Siva in many temples. When it came to this place and worshiped, Iravath got rid of its curse and was blessed. Indra also worshiped Lord Siva of this place and he was blessed.




Sthala purana also says Baratha Muni who belong to Thirumananjchery, was the one who performedLord Siva and Parvathy marriage at Vaelvikudi. After the ceremony was finished he invited new couple Lord Siva and Parvathy to visit his place. Lord Siva agreed to do so. When Lord Siva and Prvathy came to this place Thirumanajcheri, Baratha muni went forward to welcome newly married couple Lord Siva and Parvathy.




So the place is known as Edirkolpadi which means going forward to welcome. Now the place is known as Melakoil.




By worshiping Lord Siva here marriages are settled. One who has lost their wealth and jobs also worship Lord Siva,and they are blessed by him like Indra who worshiped and got back his wealth and post.