Thirunedunkalam Shiva Temple, Trichy

Thirunedunkalam Shiva Temple is located on Trichi - Thanjavur road, 18 kms from Thuvarakudi. It is 3 kms from Solakampatti  railway station. Lord Shiva is named as Tirunedunkalanathar or Nithya Sundareswarar.This temple is spread over 2 acres and is a chola period temple. The Siva Linga is a self manifested one.

Specialties:

1) The temple has two vimanas over the sanctum sanctorum which cannot be seen in any other temple.

2) The utsava idol doesn't have a thumb ( the reason is given in the story behind the temple)

3) Rare Dakshinamoorthy called Yoga Dakshinamurthy can be seen in this Thiru Nedunkalam temple.

Photos: Mr. Puviarasan

Timings: 7.30 am to 12 pm and 4 pm to 8 pm

Telephone Number: 0431 2520126.

Thirunedunkaalam Shiva 
Temple Thiruchirapalli TN

 Two vimanas of Thirunedunkalam Shiva temple

Nandi in Thirunedunkalam Shiva Temple

Mandapam in Thirunedunkalam Shiva Temple

Entrance of Thirunedunkalam
 Shiva Temple

Thirunedunkaalam Shiva Temple Board
 Thiruchirapalli TN

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MelaKaveri - Temple for Goddess Kaveri, Kumbakonam

Worship to river Kaveri at Melakaveri town (next to Kumbakonam on left bank of the river)

India has a great and ancient tradition of worshipping nature and its various manifestations in form of five forms of nature, land, water, sky, air and fire. This extends to holy rivers as well. In this regard, our group / Kuzhu was involved with renovation and consecration of Sri Kasiviswanathaswami temple at Melakaveri. This temple is situated right on the banks of river Kaveri. There a seperate shrine for Sri Kaveri ambal has been set-up and daily Puja to the river is planned.

Melakaveri is located in Kumbakonam, TamilNadu. The only shrine for Goddess Kaveri is located here. Treating rivers as Gods and Goddesses has been a very ancient way to promote environment conservation and prevent pollution of the waters. Here, Aarti is performed to Cauvery the same way Aarthi is performed to Ganga Mata at Haridwar and Rishikesh in the evenings.

Dakshina Ganga - Kaveri, all along her course showered the people with prosperity & bounty, not just in the material sense but also in the spiritual sense. It is visible in full glory where she spreads her benevolent arms far and wide - in the Keveri delta.

Renovation work in progress

Sri Kasi Viswanathar temple located in Melakaveri Village close to Kumbakonam he is under renovation.  One might have heard this village name, because of its presence in the surname of a fairly popular percussionist. On the occasion of mahamaham festival celebrated every 12 years during the Thula month, Mela Kaveri snanam is considered very holy.

Kaveri deeparadhanai daily at dusk the Kaveri Mandapam - part of the Kasi Visawanthar temple at the riverfront. This would be complete with workship to Sri Kasi Viswanatha swami, Devi Kaveri,Veda Parayanam, Thirumurai Parayanam, Go Puja and Annadhanam.

Balalayam Kaveri Shrine

In the current context, such actions of nature worship, They will provide for regular flow in the holy river, raise the awareness in the minds of public about need to fight pollution in the river and most importantly reinforce the sanctity and divinity of Kaveri. There is a Kaveri Mandapam at the river front & a shrine for the devi.

Kaveri Mandapam

Image courtesy by Google

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Rudra Padam (Feet of Lord Shiva) at Tiruvengadu, TamilNadu

 Sri Swedaranyeswarar temple is situated at Thiruvenkadu, in Nagapattinam District, 59 Kms away from kumbakonam and 23 Kms away from Mayiladuthurai and 10 Kms southeast of Sirkali on the Poompuhar road.

The temple is famous for various reasons
1) As the temple for Bhudan 
2) Lord Aghora Veerabhadran or Aghoramoorthi

3) The special thing about Tiruvengadu is the Rudra Padam or feet of Lord Shiva. There are      3 places which are considered special for ancestor Worship.

Brahma Kapalam - BadriNath 

Vishnu Padam - Gaya

Rudra Padam - Tiruvengadu

For some reasons, Rudra padam has not become that well known compared to the other two.

Rudra Padam Feet of Lord Shiva Tiruvengadu TN

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Architectural Delight - Rama Temple, Kumbakonam

Architectural Delight - Rama Temple, Kumbakonam

Located in the center of traditional Kumbakonam town, this Sri Rama temple is a sight to behold. This temple is said to be more than 500 years old and constructed during the reign of the Nayaka kings. It is said that Govinda Dikshitar who was the minister for the king, foresaw the construction of this temple. It is believed that the idols were unearthed during the construction of a water tank. Govinda Dikshitar also foresaw the construction of several in the Kumbakonam region. This temple is known as the Ramaswamy temple.

The main deities of this temple are Rama, Seeta, Lakshmana and Hanuman (Anjaneya). Sri Ram is considered a human incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This human form is depicted in the idols at the temple. For example – Rama and Seeta are seated together as if they are sitting for a wedding ritual. Other idols like Shatrughna are seen fanning his elder brother and Bharata is seen holding an umbrella. Lakshmana stands with his hands outstretched as if waiting for a command and Hanuman is standing with folded hands (Anjali hasta).

Temple Architecture:

This temple is known for its architectural significance. The temple itself has 3 Gopurams. The large Gopuram (Raj Gopuram) takes devotees to the main hall or the Mahamandapam.Each pillar in this temple is carved out of a single stone and has intricate sculptures. The corridors of temple full of painting depicting Ramayana.

By the time of the Nayaka period, sculpting had reached a different level. If we compare the idols from say a Chola period or Hoysala period, we can see the subtle demarcations that differentiate these dynasties. Idols during the Nayaka period, are more intricately carved, with strong postures and are more elegant in their expressions. They are also more lifelike and larger in size.This temple is a must visit for people interested in fine arts, sculpting or paintings

Temple Specialities:

The outer prahara (enclosed precinct) of this temple depicts 219 paintings from the scenes of Ramayana.During pradakshinams (rounds of the temple precinct) devotees can actually read and know about the series of events that happened in the great epic Ramayana.

Hanuman idol in this temple holds a Veena instead of Club. It seems as if Hanuman is singing the Ramayana.

This is one of the few Rama temples where all the four brothers (Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Shtrughana) appear together. Besides these, the other idols in this temple are Lords Vinayaka, Bhoovarahaswami, lord Vishnu with mother Bhoo Devi and Sri Devi.

Temple Festivities and Prayers:

Similar to other Rama temples, the festival of Raam Navami (March-April during the Tamil month of panguni) is celebrated with great fervor.

Devotees seeking blessings for success in marriage or removing obstacles in marital relationships pray to the lord at this temple.

Ramaswamy temple sculpture 

Ramaswamy temple Kumbakonam

Corridar in Ramaswamy temple Kumbakonam

Kumbakonam Ramaswamy Temple

Contact Details:

Phone +91 435 2401788

Address: Arulmigu Ramasamy Temple, kumbakonam-612001, Thanjavur

Timings:  6.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.

Directions: The temple is less than 2 km from Kumbakonam. Bus facilities are available for pilgrims that take them directly to the Ramaswamy Temple Bus stop.



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भसकररयर और भास्कर राजपुरम शिव मंदिर

भसकररयर और भास्कर राजपुरम शिव मंदिर 

भास्करराजपुरम , मयिलादुरै, तमिल नाडु में स्थित है।  श्री भास्कराय की पत्नी आनंदी ने श्री आनंदवल्ली समेता भास्करेश्वरर शिव मंदिर ४०० वर्ष पूर्व बनवाया था।  श्री भास्करराय का एक मणि मंडपम है जहा महा मेरु है और नित्य पूजाएँ की जाती है।  नववरणा पूजा पूर्णिमा रात में  और अन्य विशेष दिन की जाती है।

संपर्क:
Sri. N. Bhaskara Sivam
Bhaskararajapuram
Phone: 04364 - 232400 / 97885 24776

श्री भास्करराय की जीवनी -

श्री भास्कराय 

श्री भास्करराय का जन्म महाराष्ट्र के बाघा में श्री गंभीर रयर और श्रीमती कोनाम्बिका के घर १६९० में हुआ।  वैदिक सिख्शा प्राप्त कर वे काशी गए और श्री नर्सिम्हानन्द नाथ के साथ पढाई शुरू की।  गंगाधर वाजपेयी के पास उन्होंने शास्त्रो का ज्ञान लिया। इसके बात उन्होंने वैवाहिक जीवन श्रीमती आनंदवल्ली के साथ शुरू किया जो भी एक श्रीविद्या उपासकी थी।

उन्होंने संत शिवदत्त शुक्ल से  उपासना सीखी। तंजावूर के राजा ने उन्हें तंजावूर में रहने का आमंत्रण  दिया और भास्कराजपुरम में जमीन भी दी।  वे तिरुविडैमरुथुर महा धन मार्ग पर भी रहे।

श्री विद्या उपासक होने हेतु उन्होंने करीब ४० किताबे लिखी - मन्त्र शास्त्र , अद्वैत वेदांत जैसे विषयो के ऊपर।  उनकी सबसे अपूर्व रचना - सौभाग्य भास्करं ; ललिता सहस्रनाम  लिखी हुई व्याख्या है।  इन्होने त्रिकोडिकावल मंदिर पर भी रचना की है।  उनकी अनेको प्रसिद्ध रचनाये है जैसे - वरिवस्य रहस्यम , गुप्तवती इत्यादि।  उनकी श्रीविद्या गुरु परंपरा आज भी श्री चक्र पूजाओं में उपयोग की जाती है

 जीवनी पर और प्रकाश डालने के लिए नीचे लिखे संकेत स्थल पर क्लिक करे :
http://www.reocities.com/Athens/thebes/2257/LifeHistoryofSriBhaskararaya.htm

translated by Ananya


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Bhaskararayar and Bhaskara Rajapuram Siva Temple, Kumbakonam

Bhaskararajapuram is located near Mayiladurai, TamilNadu. Sri Bhaskaraya's wife Anandi had constructed this temple for Sri Anandavalli Sametha Bhaskareshwarar Shiva temple 400 years ago. There is also a mani mandapam for Sri Bhaskararaya where a Maha meru has been installed and regular pujas are going on. Navavarana pujas are conducted on Pournami (Full Moon) and other special days.

Contact Person:
Sri. N. Bhaskara Sivam
Bhaskararajapuram
Phone: 04364 - 232400 / 97885 24776


Life history of saint Sri. Bhaskararaya

Sri Bhaskararaya was born in Bagha in Maharashtra to Sri. Gambeera Rayar and Smt. Konambika around the year 1690.After completing a portion of his vedic education, he travelled to Kashi and continued his education with Sri Narasimhananda Natha.He also learnt Shastras for Gangadhara Vajapayee in Tiruvalangadu. After completing his vedic education he took up a family life with Smt.Anandavalli who was also a Srividya Upasaki.

Sri Bhaskararayar

He took up Devi upasana from a saint Siva Datta Shukla.The king Thanjavur invited him to stay in Thanjavur and gave him land in today's Bhaskararajapuram. He also stayed in Tiruvidaimaruthur Maha Dhana street for a long time. 

Being a great Sri Vidhya upasaka, he has written close to 40 books on various subjects like Mantra Shastra, Advaita Vedanta etc. The most outstanding work  of  his has been the commentary on Sri Lalitha Sahasranama titled "Sowbagya Bhaskaram". He is said to have written this book in Tirkodikaval temple. There are numerous incidents from the life of this great saint to highlight his devotion, knowledge and simplicity. His other key works are Varivasya Rahasyam, Guptavati (on Durga Saptashati). His Sri Vidya Guru parampara continues till date and the puja manuals written by him are still being used in Sri Chakra worship.

For a detailed Life history of the saint, please see the link below:
http://www.reocities.com/Athens/thebes/2257/LifeHistoryofSriBhaskararaya.htm



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Tiruvidaimarudhur Shiva Temple for Brahma Hatya Dosha Nivarthi at Kumbakonam

One of the greatest Shiva temples in Kumbakonam is that of the Tiruvidamarudhur temple. It is only a surprise that this temple isn't that popular like the Meenakshi temple or Chidambaram.

Everything about this temple is magnificent and huge. Spread over a large area this temple has several praharas or parikramas. A huge Nandhi invites us at the entrance. The Sivalinga is of the height of an person. The great advaitin, Sri Adi Sankara is said to have visited this temple and performed pujas to this deity.

Huge Nandhi at Tiruvidaimaruthur Temple

The first prahara is called Pranava Prahara. In this temple, going around the praharas itself is considered as a puja given the size of the praharas. The second is called Aswamedha Prakara and by going around this prahara one attains the punya of an Aswamedha Yagna.

This is one of the only two temples which has Nakshatra Lingas. For each of the 27 stars, there is a seperate Shivalinga. People of that Nakshatra perform pujas or light lamps to that Shiva Linga.

Prahara of  Tiruvidaimarutoor 
temple

The Main Deity is called Mahalinga Swamy and this is a brahma hatya dosha nivarana ksetra meaning one who has unknowingly committed the sin of killing a pious one can get rid of his sin by offering prayers in this temple. There is a special puja in this temple for this dosha(Bramha hatya doasha). Behind the Mahalinga Swamy shrine there are Pancha Lingas representing each of the 5 elements of nature. There is also a sahasra Linga, which is one Shiva Linga with 1008 lingas in it - Seen in the image below.

Sahasra Linga - One linga
 with 1000 lingas

There is a huge lamp(Paavai Vilaku) donated by one of the queens to the Lord as a mark of her devotion. This lamp can be seen on the entrance to the temple and it measures 120 cm (height), 411 ¾ cher (Weight) and is in brass. There are two shrines for the divine mother. It one of the 51 Shakti Peeth. The Goddess is named Bruhatsundara Gujamabika. The other is Mookambika where a Sri Yantra has been installed.

There is one temple tank outside the temple which is full of water all the time. Perhaps this is one of the very few tanks where one can really take a bath. Inside the temple, there is Simha teertha which is a holy well in the shape of a Lion. It is opened only on special occasions and it is believed that there are special yantras which are installed in this well.

Simha Teertha Holy Tank

Simha Teertha Holy Tank

The temple car (Rath) is one of the most artistically designed in TamilNadu and it is a must see.The Hindu saint Pattinathar and BadraKiriyar have lived outside this temple for several years. Sri Sridhara Ayyaval is supposed to have merged with the deity here. This temple is a must see for visitors to Kumbakonam in every aspect - Religion, Architecture, Size, Majesty, Heritage.

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