Discover the lost heritage and Culture of the world!: devi temples

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World's only temple with Durga Saptashati Yantra near Chennai

Panchetti is located on the Chennai-Kolkatta National highway about 30 KMs from Chennai after crossing Karanodai. The temple is just a few metres away from the national highway.This place was called Pancheshti (Pancha means 5, Ishti means Yagna) in the past and which has got changed to Panchetti. The Siva temple is several years old and goes by the name of Agasteeshwarar, since it is said to have been worshipped by sage Agastya.There is a seperate shrine for Agastya in this temple.

The Siva Linga is svayambu meaning its self generated and not man made.The name of the divine mother is Anandavalli and she is made of green granite facing south.

Specialities:

1) Goddess Anandavalli with 3 eyes and keeping her left foot forward - Beneath her feet is the most famous "Durga Saptashati" yantra. Here the Goddess has taken a fierce form to destroy the evil.

The greatness of Durga Saptashati and Chandi has been extolled in various scriptures and mantras. This could be the only temple in the world with the Chandi Yantra installed. The explanation for the Chandi Yantra and Mantra would take hundreds of pages. But it is enough to say that in destroying evil and granting genuine boons to devotees Chandi takes the first place.

For those who are unmarried worshipping the goddess here with a garland made out of fresh lemons for a period of 8 weeks will remove obstacles and delays in getting married.

2) Ishta Linga has been installed by a disciple of Agastya called Pulastya which fulfills all the genuine needs of a devotee.

3) The temple is full of mystic yantras and images. One can seen the yantra on top of the shrine and the images of Navagrahas and Dwara balas at the entrance - All this making the temple itself a big yantra.

Navagrahas and Dwara balas at the entrance

Durga Saptashati Temple Architecture

Ashta Thik Balahars - Eight Directional Gods

Saptashat Temple Architecture

4) The usual Vahana for Saniswara is the crow. But here Eagle is the Vahana instead of crow, which must be having some special significance but which is not known.

5) Lord Muruga takes the creative role of Lord Brahma here which also makes this temple a Mangal Dosha (Chevvai) parihara temple.

6) A very old snake pit can be seen in this temple and people have spotted snakes living it in. It is considered very auspicious if a snake lives inside a temple.

7) This temple is an Annadana Kshetra as per the story of the temple. Annadana is also one of the 5 acts of charity mentioned for all human beings. Performing Annadanam in this temple is considered to be of great merit.

8) Adding to the mysticism of the temple, the temple frequently comes up in the Nadi astrology palm leaves and lot of devotees visit this temple because of it.

9) Not just the mystical aspects, the architectural aspects of the temple also need a special mention. Some sample photos are given below, but they can not describe what can be seen in person

Durga Saptashati Temple Architecture

Rudra roop of Durga

Priest Contact : Babu Gurukkal: 9841317500

Kali worshipped by King Vikramaditya

On the way from Kumbakonam to Annaikarai is the small village of Karrupur or Koranattu Karuppur. There is an ancient Siva Temple and Kali temple in this village. This place was called Patalavanam in the past.Lord Siva is known as Sundareswarar and his consort is Abhirami Ambal.

The Petti (petti means box) Kali temple has an interesting history. The idol of Kali is not full. Only the head portion was available and it came floating in the river cauvery around 300 years ago. She was kept in an wooden box and it is worshipped till date.The box is opened only on selected days with lots of rituals.

When the ancient scrolls were investigated on the source of this deity, it was revealed that the idol was worshipped by King Vikramaditya of Ujjain and after his time the temple got destroyed. It is well known that the king was ardent devotee of Goddess Kali.

Located in a totally rural area, these temples have not seen any good maintenance. With more devotees travelling , hopefully things get better.

Kali Devi - Koranattu Karuppur TN

Kali Devi Puja - Koranattu Karuppur TN

Travel operators contact information:

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Maya Devi Temple - Shakti Peeth mandir of Haridwar

Haridwar is also known as Mayapur or Mayapuri and it is referred by this name in most of the ancient Hindu texts. It is one of the famous places for people interest in religious tours. This name is derived from the presence of the Maya Devi Shakti Peeth. While the other two Devi temples in Haridwar - Manasa Devi and Chandi Devi are immensely popular and crowded not many are aware of this Shakti Peeth. Located in a more of residential area and market, there were hardly anyone in this small temple.

In the main shrine, you can see Maya Devi in the middle,Kali on the left and Kamakhya on the right. As per mythology, it is said the heart and navel of Goddess Sati fell at this place. She is considered as the Adhishtadri(main) deity of Haridwar.

It is located to the east of Har Ki Pauri and around 1 kms from there. It is very easily accessible by autos or taxis.We hope pilgrims to Haridwar do visit this temple. It is on the plains and not on the top of hills like the other two Devi temples ( Chandi Devi and Manasa Devi).

Maya Devi Temple, Haridwar

Maya Devi, Haridwar

Maya Devi Hill (Manasa Devi) Temple, Haridwar

Ganga Puja

Maya Devi Temple Vutsav, Haridwar

Maha Samadhi of Swami Sivananda,
Sivanand Ashram, Rishikesh

Sivananda Ashram, RishiKesh

Sri AnandaMayi Ma Maha Samadhi, Haridwar

Moola Mantra Bala Tripura Sundari Stotra

Sri Bala Thirupurasundari Ambal is the child form of Sri Lalitha Tripurasundari. Her mantra provides a shishya’s entry into Srividya.

Sri Bala is a nine year old form of Sri Lalitha Devi and stays with her mother at all times, as she is a manifestation of Lalitha Tripura Sundari Devi who does all activities as the behaviour of small child, so she is called as Leela Vinothini, For the Person who prays her she provide a True Knowledge, Education, wisdom, Power and Prosperity for Better Life.


Sri Bala Tripura Sundari Wallpaper (Click to Enlarge)

Moola Mantra Bala Stuthi

This is a very powerful mantra on Goddess Bala Tripura Sundari.

The in English (iTrans):

|| muulamantraatmaka - baalastutiH ||

ayii aanandavallii amR^itakaratalii aadii shaktii paraayii
maaya maayasvaruupii sphaTikamaNimayii maamata~Ngii shaDa~Ngii |
GYaanii GYaanasvaruupii nalinaparimalii naada oMkaararuupii
yogii yogaasanasthaa bhuvana-vashakarii saundarii aiM namaste || 1 ||

baala mantre kaTaaxii mama hR^idayasakhii mattabhaavaprachaNDii
vyaalii yaGYopaviitii vikaTakaTitaTii viirashaktiiH prasaadii |
baale balendumauLe mada-gaja-bhuja-hastaabhiShektrii svatantrii
kaaLi tvaM kaalaruupii khagagalanahR^idii kaaraNii kLiiM namaste || 2||

muulaadhaare mahimnii hutavahanayanii muulamantrii trinetrii
haaraa keyuravallii akhilasukhakarii ambikaayaaH shivaayaH |
vede vedaantaruupii vitataghanataTii viiratantrii bhaavanii
shaurii saMsaarayonii sakalaguNamayii tedyaH shriiM sauH namaste || 3||

aiM kLiiM sauH sarva mantre mama varashubakarii a~Nganaa cheShTitaayaa
shriiM hriiM biijamukhyaiH dinakara-kiraNair-jyotiruupe shivaakhye |
hraaM hriiM hruuM hemavarNe himakara-kiraNa bhaasamanenduchuuDe
xaaM xiiM xuuM xaumavaase sakalajayakrii shakti baale namaste || 4 ||

Bala Saparya

There is also a book by name "Bala Saparya" in Sanskrit which is extensive book on Bala TripuraSundari Upasana.It can be downloaded from the link below.

Bala Saparya (Sanskrit)

Vaalai Kummi

In TamilNadu, Bala was known by the name of Vaalai. Most of the Sidhars have worshipped Sri Bala Tripura Sundari. Konanka Sidhar has written a poem "Vaalai Kummi" on this deity.

Listen to the song here: Konkana Naayanaar Padalgal- Konganar Siddhar Songs - Vaalai Kummi - Konkana Siddhar MP3

Temples for Bala Tripura Sundari:

1) Kanyakumari - The deity here is a complete manifestation of Sri Bala.

2) Devadanapatti Kamakshi Temple - Even the temple is called Kamakshi temple, the deity here is worshipped as a child.

Kakkacherry Bhattadripad was one of the greatest Bala Upasaka of all times. You can read this life history here - http://www.orientalzenz.com/2016/02/kakkassery-bhattadri-saint-of-kerala.html

Meenakshi Temple - Houston, Texas

Goddess Meenakshi has established her presence in Houston, Texas as well. The temple has been of the earliest to propagate the Sakti worship outside India.Meenakshi means the goddess with "fish like eyes". But this has a much deeper spiritual significance.It is said the fishes hatch just by a glance of the Mother fish. The divine mother is so concerned about her children and just her glance is enough to make our lives prosper. She is known as Raja Mathangi in the Shakta tradition where she is considered as the Goddess of Knowledge, Music and Speech.

The main deity Goddess Meenakshi is a four fee tall granite murthi. The other main shrine is that of Lord Sundareshwara ( Shiva in his beautiful aspect). There are shrines for all major Hindu deities. There is a 6 feet tall Murthi of Lord Srinivasa donated by TTD.

The temple work was started in October 1977. Padma Sri Ganapathi Stapathi , a very senior temple architect was brought from India to construct the temple as per Agamas ( Divine rules for temple construction). Maha kumbhabhishekam was performed in 1982. The rajagopuram was later constructed and it is one of the very temples in US to have a prahara for procession of deities.A second ashta bandhana kumbhabhishekam had been performed in 1994, and the third one in 2006.

The temple strictly follows all Agamic principles of temple worship. "Meenakshi Tirukalyanam" is one of the major festivals."Kavacham Day" is the main annual event in the temple and the deities are taken on a grand procession. There is a silver chariot for all the processions.

Now the temple has a Kalyana Mandapam, Youth Center, Priest Quarters, Peacock Shelter and various other facitilies on a 30 acre land. The temple conducts Heritage classes for the younger generations, music concerts, health camps etc.

Goddess Houston Meenakshi Devi - Texas US

Lord Sundareshwara Shiva - Texas US

Meenakshi Devi - Texas US

Lord Venkateswara - Texas US

Devi Meenakshi-Texas US

Meenakshi Temple - Texas US

Houston Meenakshi Temple - Texas US

Houston Meenakshi Temple Gopuram - Texas US

Sri Sharada Temple in Pakistan

This is the temple where Sri Adi Sankaracharya is said to have been blessed by Goddess Sarawathi and he vanished from this point. There are multiple variations to this story and we will not be going into it. This is a 2000 year old temple in today's PoK and the area is also known as Sarada. It is located at confluence of the Rivers Kishanganga (known as Neelum in PoK) and Madhumati.

Incidentally, the Kashmiri Script itself is known as Sarada Script and Kashmir was known as Sharda Desh. This neglected temple today has been mentioned in several Kashmiri literature books as the center of learning in the past.

As part of their daily worship, Kashmiri Hindus utter the phrase" "Namastey Sharada Devi Kashmir Pur Vasini Tvam Ham Prartheye Nityam Vidya Danam Che De hi mey" (Salutations to you, O Sharada, O Goddess, O one who resides in Kashmir. I pray to you daily, please give me the gift of knowledge).

Sri Sharada Temple Pakistan

Sapta Kanya shrine at Tirumala,Tirupathi--Akkagarla Gudi

As we drive down from the holy Tirumala mountains, enroute there is a small shrine of Sri Sapta Kanya ( Bramhi, Maheswari, Kaumari, Vaishnavi, Varahi , Narasimhi, Chamunda). The entrance to the shrine itself is very narrow and there are 7 stones kept there. According to Saints, this shrine was a huge temple in the past. Devotees had performed elaborate pujas there but today the cycle of time has brought this temple to such a sorry state.

Sri Sapta Kanya Deevathala pooja

But still, the power of the mother Goddess still remains there. Devotees to Tirupathi are requested to visit this shrine ( as they descend from the hills) and get blessed. Locally, this shrine is referred as Akkagaru (7 sisters) or Akkagarla Gudi. Every year in this temple very big pooja will be celebrated on the day of Varalakshmi pooja.

Maha Kali Temple, Ujjain , Madhya Pradesh

The city of Ujjain has always been of historic Importance in the folklore of India. There are two Kali temples in Ujjain,Madhya Pradesh; the capital city of king Vikramadithya. One is worshiped by king Vikramaditya and other by Maha Kavi Kalidas. The Kali temple in Ujjain is one of the 52 Shakti Peethams. It is said that the elbow of Devi Sati fell here. Some people also believe that it was the Devi's upper lip that fell here.Ujjain is also one of 7 Moksha puris. The city has close to 108 shiva temples.

In this article we will feature the The Harsiddhi Kali temple near the Mahakaleshwar temple. This is a famous temple.

Main Deity - The main deity in this temple is goddess Kaali. She is also known by other different names such as Chamunda (destroyer) or Rakta Dantika (Bloodied Teeth). Besides this there are shrines for Lord Shiva (known s Kapilambar), Devi Mahalakshmi and Saraswati and also Devi Annapurna

Temple Legend - The demon, Andhakasur was the ruler of Ujjain. He had a boon that ensured that whenever Andhakasur would shed a drop of blood, each drop will give rise to a new andhakasur. Therefore it was very difficult to destroy him. Lord Shiva, pierced Andhakasur with his trishool and Maha Kaali drank all his blood. This way the new Andhakasurs were destroyed and the demon was defeated.

Temple Architecture - This temple is said to have been constructed during the reign of the Maratha Empire. The temple has pillars with 726 lamps on it which is characteristic of Maratha construction. These lamps are lit during Navratri. Outside the temple, there is a small shrine which is located underground for Devi Mahamaya. The only person that enters this shrine is the temple priest.

The sanctum also has paintings of 50 Devis on the ceiling. There is also a Shree Yantra that is sculpted inside the temple. Besides these, there are numerous other carved statues that depict the medieval period.

HarSiddhi Kali Temple, Ujjain MP

HarSiddhi Kali Temple Gopuram , Ujjain MP

HarSiddhi Kali Temple Pictures, Ujjain MP

Festivals and Prayers - Some of the important festivals that take place in this temple are, Navratri, Durga Puja, Shivratri, Shravan month Pujas and Kumbh Mela.
Devotees can also do the Mangala Chandi Mantra Jaap here.
Nitya Yatra - This is a holy journey in which the devotee first takes a dip into the holy tank and then proceeds to visit the dieties.

Address: Jaisinghpura, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh 456006
Temple Timings: 3:30 am to 11 pm

Directions:
By Air:- The nearest airport is Indore.
By Rail:- Nearest railway station is Ujjain
By Road:- Ujjain has good connecting roads to all major cities of India.

Temples in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh

Nellore (Nelluru) is a city in Nellore district (officially: Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore district), located on the banks of Penna River, is one of the 13 districts of Andhra Pradesh.

The district was known as Vikrama Simhapuri until 13th Century and later it came to be referred to as Nellore. According to Sthala Purana depicts, a lingam was seen in the form of a stone under nelli tree. The place gradually became Nelli-ooru (Nelli-Name of the Tree and ooru-place) and then to present day Nellore.

Another belief is that, the city derives its name from the Tamil, "nelli" which means rice, as paddy cultivation is the predominant occupation in this region.

It was named by Government of Andhra Pradesh as Sri Potti Sri Ramulu Nellore District after the immense contribution of the revolutionary freedom fighter who died fasting for the formation of seperate state for telugu people as Andhra Pradesh.

Historically the district was under the rule of mouryas, sathavahanas, pallavas, cholas, telugcholas, kakatias, pandyans etc. The great Telugu poet Tikkana Somayaji translated 15 parvas of Sanskrit Mahabharata into Telugu was from Nellore.

The Famous Temples in Nellore of Andhra Pradesh are as follows:

1. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple,Nellore
2. Sri Narasimha Konda Temple
3. Sri Jonnawada Kamakshi Temple
4. Sri Venugopalaswamy Temple
5. Sri Shiva Temple
6. Sri Rajarajeshwari Temple
7. Yadagiri Gudda Narasimha Temple
8. Mantralaya Sri Ragavendra Swami Temple

1. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple,Nellore