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.

Thiru Vedikudi, Vedapureeswarar Temple, Tanjavoore

Thiru Vedikudi Temple: Lord Vedapureeswarar..



The place Thiru Vedikudi is about 7kms North to Tanjore on the banks of River Vettaru. This temple is one of the Devara sthalam. This temple is one of the Ezhoor temples visited by Lord Iyarappar of Thiruvaiaru, in the Tamil month of Chiittarai (April/ May).







The temple has Raja gopuram of three storey, and single prakaram.









Sthala Vruksham is Vilvam and Teertham is Veida teertham.




Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Arulmigu Vedapureeswarar and his consort known as Mangayarkarasi Amman. Sun rays falls on 13,14 and 15 of tamil month Panguni (March/ April).















As we go round the prakaram deities seen in the temple are Sevi Saaitha Vinayakar, 108 Siva Lingam, Dakshina Moorthy, Ardhanareeswarar, Durgai, Murugan, Mahalakshmi, Natarajar, Lakshmi Narayanar and Hanuman is seen at the feet of Him, Saptha Sthana Lingams.




Lord Brahma worshiped Lord Siva here hence the name Vedikudi for the place. Vedas worshiped Lord Siva here and were blessed. Vinayakar enjoys listening to chanting of Vedas; hence he is known as Sevi Saaitha Vinayakar / Veda Vinayakar. The temple Vimanama construction is of stones. Nandi is seen to four sides of Temple Vimanam, represting four Vedas. Ardhanareeswarar form here is unusual in this temple. Here Ambal is seen to the right side of Ardhanareeswarar who is seen as Koshta Deivam at the back of main sanctum.




Sthala purana says once Vedas were taken away from Brahma by the Asuras and it was hidden under the ocean. The Vedas were brought back by Lord Narayanar. Vedas worshiped Lord Siva to get rid of their Dosha of being with Asura. The Vedas were blessed by Lord Siva. On request of Vedas Lord Siva stayed back in this place as Vedapureeswarar.




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



Stone inscriptions of Rajakesri Varman and Koparakesari Varman period are seen in the temple they say the Lord is known as Thiru Vedikudi Mahadevar and Para kesari Chaturvedi mangala Mahadevar.

Thiru Nindra Voore, Maha Lakshmi pureeswarar Temple, Nagapattinam DT.

Thiru Nindra Voore: Maha Lakshmi pureeswarar Temple.



The place Thiru Nindra Voore is about 8 kms, from Mailaduthurai on the north bank of River Cauvery. This temple is one of the Devara Sthalm of Nagapattanam Dt.













The temple tower is of three tiers










Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Arulmigu Maha Lakshmipureeswarar facing east and his consort known as Ulaga Nayaki Amman facing south. There is an axe scar seen on the Siva Lingam.




Sthala Vruksham is Vilvam and Teertham known as Neela Poigai.





Selva Ganapathy is seen in separate sanctum here. We see Subramanyar, his consorts Valli and Devanai, along with peacock facing towards right side in a separate sanctum. Here in this temple Muyalagan who is seen under the feet of Dakshina Murthy is facing left with snake in his hand. Dakshina Murthy is seen as Koshta Deivam with his left hand blessing Muyalagan.


Other deities seen in the temple are Bairavar, Nandi, Brahma, Durgai and Navagraham. Here Soorya and Chandra graham are facing each other which are unusual.



As we go around the prakaram we see Parasaurama Lingam worhiped by Parasuramar. There is a Jamadagneeswarar Lingam worshiped Jamadagni Muni which is small in size. Parikeswara Lingam is big in size with Lord Maha Vishnu seen next to it.



Agasthiyar, Parasuramar, Devendran, Iravadham, and Kamadenu worshiped Lord Siva in this place and were blessed by Him.




Sthala Purana says Chola King used to cross this place to have darshan of Thillai Natarajar daily. One when they were traveling the wick went off and they try to light it but failed. Once when they crossed the place it started glowing automatically. This was happening in the same place regularly.


King saw a shepherd there and asked him, did he observe something strange happening in this place. Shepherd told there was a Siva Lingam on which the cow used to pour milk on it. The King found the Siva Lingam and try to remove it from that place, build a temple elsewhere and install the Siva Lingam. They were not able to remove the Siva Lingam and blood started oozing from the place.



So, the Chola King constructed a temple there itself. Since the wick went off here automatically, the place is known as Thiru Nindra Voore. Thirumagal worshiped Lord Siva in this place hence the name Thiru Nindra Voore.




A stone inscription is there in the temple. The temple is under Thiru Kailaya Parampara Thiru Darumapura Aadeenam.




Thiru Gyana Sambandhar, Thiru Navukkarasar and Sundarar sang Hymns on Lord Siva of this temple.

Thiruvamathoor, Sri Abirameswarar Temple. Vizhupuram Dt.

Thiruvamathoor: Sri Abirameswarar Temple.



This is one of the Devara sthalam of Nadu Nadu. The place Amathoore is also known as Vanni Vanam which is about 6kms from Vizhupuram.








The temple tower is of five tiers. There are two prakarams in the temple.









As we enter into the temple we see Dwajasthambam and Bali peetam.








Here we see a big Nandi known as Maha Nandi.








Hear we see padala Nandi also.




Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Abirameswarar is facing east and his consort known as Muthambikai facing west, in separate temple.



Sthala Vruksham is Kondrai and Vanni Vruksham seen inbetween the sanctum of Lord Siva and Goddess Parvathy.




Teertham is a well, known as Thanda Teertham, and pushkarani known as Aambalam.




Sthala Purana says long back cows were without horns. They were attacked by wild animals so the cows worshiped Lord Siva in this place. Lord was pleased and blessed them with horns. Hence the place was known as AAmathoore and Lord Siva in this place known as Abirameswarar.










Other deities seen in the temple are Maal Thuyar Teertha Vinayakar, Subramanyar, Dakshina Murthy, Lingothbavar, Natarajar, Brahma, Durgai, Pichaadanar, Sahasra Lingam, Kasi Viswanadhar, Chatta Nadhar, Arunachaleswarar, and Saptha madhar, Chandeeswarar, Navagraham, Bairavar, Nalwar and 63 Nayanmars.









Sri Rama worshiped Lord Siva in this place with Thanda Teetham to get rid of Brahmahathi dosha by killing Ravana. Lord Murugan worshiped Lord Siva and Parvathy here before he left for war against Soorapaduman. Parvathy bestowed Lord Murugan with her Sakthi Vel here in this place.




Brungi Muni worshiped Lord Siva and neglected Goddess Parvathy. Parvathy did not like his attitude, so he was cursed by Parvathy to become Vanni Vruksham. Later he worshiped both Lord Siva and Parvathy and was blessed by them.










To south west corner of temple premises we Sathya mandapam known as Vatta palagai.





Stone inscriptions of first Rajaraja Cholan, Rajendra Cholan, Veera Rajendran and first Kulothunga Cholan are seen.





Thiru Gyana Sambandhar, Thiru Navukkarasar and Sambandhar sang hymns on Lord Abirameswarar of this temple. Arunagirinadhar has sung Thirupugazh on Lord Murugan of this temple. Thiruvarutpa by Vadalore Ramalinga Swamigal and Thiruvamathur Kalpagam by Irattai Pulavar are rendered to Lord Siva 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.

Thirumaani kuzhi Temple: Thiru Vaamaneeswarar, Cuddlore

Thirumaani kuzhi Temple: Thiru Vaamaneeswarar.

The place is about ten kms from Cuddlore on the bank of River Kedila. This temple is one of  the        Nadu Nadu Devara Sthalams.

The main Raja Gopuram is of five tiers and there are three prakarams.

As we enter inside we see Dwajasthambam

Nandi Devar is seen in small mandapam

Teertham is River Kedila and Swetha teertham.

Sthala Vruksham is Kondrai

Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Vaamaneeswarar and his consort known as Ambujakshi Amman in separate sanctum facing east.

Something unique in the temple is we see Beema Rudrar screen in front of Lord Vamaneeswarar. Beema Rudrar is always guarding Lord Siva here. First pooja is performed for Beema Rudrar. The screen is lifted and the pooja for Lord Vaamaneeswarar is performed.

As we go around the inner prakaram we see Selva Ganapathy, Udhavi Ganapathy, Arumugan, Nalwar, 63 Nayanmars, Saptha Madhar, Pancha Moorthys, Gaja Lakshmi, Bairavar, Navagraha, Vishnu Lingam, Soorya and Chandran.

Thiru Annamalaiyar seen at the back of main sanctum

Sri Durgai sculpture seen to side wall of main sanctum

We see beautiful sculptures on the walls related to Sthala puranam

Sthala Purana says Lord Vishnu descended down as small Brahamin boy named as Vaamana. He went to King Maavli and asked for three feet of land by his foot. King agreed to give land forVaamana.

Immediately Vaamana took to his original form and measured earth and space for two feet by his foot. King Maavali bowed his head down for Vaamana to rest his feet on his head for the third one. Vaamana did so and it was the end of King Maavali’s life.

As a parihara for the death of King Maavali, Lord Vaamana worshipped Siva lingam here .Hence the place is known as Maani kuzhi and Lord Siva as Vaamaneeswarar.

Thiru Gyana Sambandhar sang Hymns on Lord Vaamaneeswarar. Arunagiri Nadhar sang Thirupugazh on Lord Murugan of this temple.

Thiruchengkodu Temple, Erode.

Thiruchengkodu: Ardhanareeswarar Temple.




We traveled from Bhavani to Thiruchengkodu temple. The distance is about 25 kms. The hill is red in colour.








We find an arch at the entrance, with a road leading up for vehicles and steps, for pedestrians to climb. One has to climb 1200 steps to reach the temple door.








This is One of 275 Devara Sthalam of lord Siva.








Ardhanareeswarar is one of 64 manifestation of Lord Siva, representing the unity of Sakthi and Siva. This is the one of the temple dedicated for Ardhanareeswarar as main deity. Normally Lord Siva is seen in Lingam form but here He is in human form.









The Hill is in the Lingam form, and it looks like the union of Lord Siva and Sakthi as one.








The main Raja gopuram is of five tiers.













As we enter the main door we find Dwajasthambam. There is a mandapam with pillars having sculptures of various deities.









From here, we enter into to Murugan sannidhi, who is known as Thiru Chengkottu velavar. Chengkottu Velvar is as popular as Lord Ardhanareeswarar. Arunagirinadhar has contributed songs for Velavar of this temple in his Thirupugazh.




Main Deity is Swayambu Navabashana Ardhanareeswarar and Ambaal here, known as Bagampiriyaal. Ardhanareeswarar is a combination of Lord Siva and Parvathy. Right side of the deity is Lord Siva and the left side Ambaal. During Aarthi time, poojari will show near the leg where we can have darshan of four legs of Lord Siva and Ambaal Parvathy.



Teertham is known as Deva teertham which flows under the feet of Ardhanareeswarar.








Sthala Vruksham: Iluppai Maram.










We find beautiful sculptures to the side walls of temple when we go around the temple.




Sthala Purana: Bringy Muni, was great devotee of Lord Siva and used to worship only Lord Siva. One day when Lord Siva and Parvathy Devi was together, Bringi Muni came to worship Siva; he took the form of BEE, and worshiped only Lord Siva and ignored Sakthi who was next to Lord Siva. Parvathy got agitated with Bringi, for his ignorance of not knowing power of Goddess Sakthi. She cursed him to loose his power for neglecting Her.



Lord Siva showed Bringui muni, his original form of Ardhanareeswarar, which is the form of Siva and Parvathy as one. There is a sculpture of Bringi Muni in the temple.




Importance: The Hill is in red colour. Once, “Adi seshan and Vayu Bhagawan” wanted to test who is powerful among the two. The condition was, “Adiseshan” should hold the mountain tight with his head and “Vayu” should release himself from the grip. When Adiseshn holded Vayu with his hood. Vayu blew fiercly and the mountain pieces fell at many places. The hill is known as Thiruchengkodu. The hill is in red colour, because of the blood that oozed when Adiseshan pressed Vayu bagwan, with his hood. The hill is also known as Nagagiri and Vayu malai.



Inside the temple premises we see a small sanctum for Adiseshan








We see these pillars, as we go around.








As we go around the temple there is a separate shrine of Adi Kesava Perumal with dwajasthambam in front.




We see other deities like Vinayakar, Viswanadhar and Visalakshi, Natarajar and Sivakami ammai, Siddhi Vinayakar, Adi seshan, Sooryan, Bairavar, and Navagraha.




Thiru Gyana Sambandhar sang Hymns on Lord Siva.

Kayaroganar Siva Temple, Nagapattinam

Thiru Kayaroganeswarar Siva temple, of Nagapattinam.



The place Nagapattinam is about 25 kms from Thiruvarore.








This is one of 275 Siva Devara Sthalam in Nagapattinam town. The temple is one of Saptha Vidanga Sthalam and he is known as Sundara Vidangar... The place is one of Mukthi sthalam and considered equal to Kasi Kshetram.













Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Kayaroganeswarar and his consort known as Neelayadakshi Amman. This is one of Sakthi Peetam. Urchavar here, known as Chandra shekarar. Sthala Vinayakar of this temple is known as Nagabarana Vinayakar. Thyagesar sannidhi is next to main sanctum. At the back of main Lingam in the sanctum we see Somaskanda moorthy.








Amman sannidhi is separate sanctum with a kodi maram in front. Here Ambal is like a teenage girl before marriage. Nandi Devar in the temple of Ambal sanctum in front is seen with his head turned towards Lord Siva’s Sanctum.



Purana says Nandi in this sanctum, was appointed to take care of Ambal who is teenage girl before marriage. Since Nandi is devotee of Lord Siva he said he wanted to have darshan of Lord Siva always. Lord asked him to stay here and have darshan of Him.
This is the reason for Nandi turning his face towards Lord Siva’s Sanctum. Nandi eye is sculptured in such way one eye is looking at Lord Siva and the other eye towards Ambal.


Sthala Vruksham is Mango tree and teertham known as Pundareeka teertham and Deva teertham.





There is a big Nandi seen in mandapam.






We see beautiful sculptures related stories of the temple on the top of the mandapam to four sides.






Importance of this place is Adiseshan worshiped Lord Siva here. Adipattha Nayanar was born in this place and attained Mukthy here. King Dasarathaworshiped installed Sani Bagawan in this temple and worshiped. Ashtabuja Durgai and Asthabuja Bairavar are seen as we go around the prakaram. Arumugan is seen with Thiruvasi and 12 hands holding weapons.


Lord Murugan, Thirumal, Agasthiyar, Vashistar, Musukunda Chakkravarthy, worshiped Lord Siva and they were blessed by Him. Lord Siva of this temple was worshiped by Saptha Rishis.



Sthala Purana says Pundareeka Muni, meditated and worshiped Lord Siva to attain “Mukthi” He was guided by Kanva maharishi to do so. Lord Siva was pleased and “He” embrased Muni and gave Mukthi. Hence Lord Siva is known as Kayaroganeswarar.
Azhuguni chittar jeeva samadi is in the temple.



Thiru Gyanasambandhar, Thiru Navukkarasar and Sundarar sang Hymns on Lord Siva of this place. Arunagiri Nadhar composed Thirupugazh on Lord Murugan of this temple.


Stone inscriptions of First Rajarajan and Kulothungan period are seen in temple.