Not Easily Seen But Exceptional Temples – Tamil Nadu (Villupuram Dist)


Thread Starter #1
Joined
Apr 1, 2014
Messages
527
Likes
962
Location
Chennai / Pondy
This is one of the thread which I want to write at proper platform. Because my earlier blogs not the attention of people and it is not appearing in Google search also. Now I’m a TAI-ger and this is one of correct area to write this thread to fulfill my desires.

I’m writing this thread is not to spread that I visited to this place. I do write some threads like that to give information about the travel.
Basically I believe that our ancestors were more knowledgeable than scientists in Sci-fi movies of Hollywood. Somehow we missed to retain the knowledge. I like the historical places and the history behind the places.
Now I come to the thread. First it is about a small town named Tirukovilur in Villupuram Dist of Tamil Nadu.

THIRUKOILUR

Location:
Tirukovilur is small town in Villupuram Dist, Tamil Nadu.
It’s 37 KM far from Villupuram Bus Stand which is there in NH 45. Tamil Nadu.
It’s 35 KM far from Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu.
1.jpg

2.jpg

History of Tirukoilur:
Those who read in tamilnadu, knows about Vallal Pari, Malayaman, Angavai, Sangavai, Kabilar and Ovvaiyar. This town played vital role in the history of above people. Also it is birth place of King Raja Raja chola who built the Tanjore Big Temple.
The Greatest Tamil king Rajaraja Cholan and his brother, The most powerful Chola Prince Aditya Karikalan was born in Keelaiyur, Thirukoilur
Rajaraja Cholan I was born as Arulmozhivarman, also called as Ponniyin Selvan (son of river Kaveri),"Raasakandiyar" was the third child of Parantaka Sundara Chola. Rajaraja literally means King of Kings.
'Rajaraja Chola's mother, Vaanavan Maadevi, was the daughter of Thirukkovilur king, Malayamaan Thirumudi Kaari'.
Before 1000 years Thirukoilur was one of the four largest cities in Tamilnadu like other cities named Kanchipuram, Madurai, and Thanjavur In later period Kings like Adiyamman demolished the city. Proof in Thanjavur Big Temple.
Tirukoilur is a place of historic importance. King Malayaman (Malayaman Dynasty), who is famous for his war and administrative skills ruled from here. "Vallal" Pari(Vallal - patron king, Pari is one of the 7 patron kings who supported "poets" and scholars. They are famous for their charitable activities.) daughters Angavai and Sangavai were married to Malayaman's son Deivegan and the marriage ceremony took place in a place called "Manam Poondi"[manam - wedding, poondi - lock/bond; place where the wedlock happened).
The famous chola king Raja Raja Chola Rajaraja Chola was born in Thirukoilur, as Arulmozhivarman, the third child of Parantaka Sundara Chola and Vanavan Maha Devi of the Malayaman dynasty.
Courtesy: Tirukoilur - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Now About the Temple:
Ulagalantha Perumal Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu located in Tirukkoyilur, Tamilnadu, India. Constructed in the Period of 6th - 9th Century AD.
The Bhagavata Purana describes that Vishnu descended as the Vamana avatar to restore the authority of Indra over the heavens, as it had been taken by Mahabali, a benevolent Asura King. Bali was the grandson of Hiranyakshipu, the son of Prahlada. King Mahabali was generous, and engaged in severe austerities and penance and won the praise of the world. With the praise from his courtiers and others, he regarded himself as the all powerful in the world. Vamana, in the guise of a short Brahmin carrying a wooden umbrella, went to the king to request three paces of land. Mahabali consented, against the warning of his guru, Sukracharya. Vamana then revealed his identity and enlarged to gigantic proportions to stride over the three worlds. He stepped from heaven to earth with the first step, from earth to the netherworld with the second. King Mahabali, unable to fulfill his promise, offered his head for the third. Vamana then placed his foot and gave the king immortality for his humility. In worshiping Mahabali and his ancestor Prahláda, he conceded sovereignty of Pátála, the netherworld. Some texts also report that Vamana did not step into the netherworld, and instead gave its rule to Bali. In giant form, Vamana is known as Trivikrama. The legend is associated with Thrikkakara Temple in Kerala, but also with this temple and Ulagalantha Perumal Temple, Kanchipuram.

The Posture of the Lord in the sanctum
Trivikrama_kovilur.jpg

The gigantic Lord Trivikrama measuring over 20 ft in height is seen in a grand standing posture with the left foot on the ground and his right leg raised 90 degrees to his right and with the conch in his right hand and the chakra in his left. This is described as His teaching wisdom to devotees.
 
Last edited:
Thread Starter #2
Joined
Apr 1, 2014
Messages
527
Likes
962
Location
Chennai / Pondy
Re: Not Easily Seen But Exceptional Temples – Tamil Nadu (Villupuram Dist)

The Temple Tower

1280px-Thirukovilur_temple_view.jpg
The temple has a 5-tier rajagopuram with a height of 192 ft (59 m), the third tallest temple tower in Tamil Nadu, after the one in Srirangam Ranganathaswamy temple and Srivilliputhur Andal Temple. This is one of the 108 Holy Divya Desas of Perumal. Presiding deity Perumal is made of Tharu-wood.

Naalayira Divya Prabandham’s first verses were composed here
The first three of the Azhvaars-Poigai, BhoothathAzhvaar and PeyAzhvaar- came to ThiruKovilur on a rainy night. First to reach was Poigai Azhvaar, of Kanchipuram, who sought refuge for the night at the ashram of Mrugandu Rishi, who told him there was place for just one person to sleep and that he was welcome to sleep here for the night.

BhoothathAzhvaar, from Mamallapuram, followed shortly and he too requested that he stay at the ashram for the night. PoigaiAzhvaar welcomed him saying there is place for one to sleep and two to sit and took him inside.

PeyAzhvaar, from Mylapore, too reached the ashram. He was told that there is place for one to sleep, two to sit and three to stand. The three of them stood there through the night sharing their experiences.

A little later the three Azhvaars felt the presence of a fourth person and with space only for three to stand, the Azhvaars felt uncomfortable. Through their special vision the three Azhvaars realised that the fourth person was Lord Vishnu himself. Delighted at this, they showered praises on the Lord.

This is the first temple where the first three Azhvaars sung praise (Paasurams) of Lord Vishnu, the composition of which later came to be called the Naalayira Divya Prabhandham.

It is believed that this ashram where the 3 Azhvaars stayed that rainy night is the one where one , today, finds the sanctum. The first of the three Azhvaars also find a place inside the Sanctum.

Veerateswara Temple
veeratreeswarar_temple.jpg
East of the Tirukoilur has the Sivan Temple situated on the banks of River Pennar.There is Lord shiva [Sri Veerateshwarar] and his Parivarangals in this temple. This is one of the veerattanams.

Legends say that from here, poet Avvayaar was taken to the himalayas by Periya Pillayar. Avvayaar wrote the famous "Vinayagar Agavel" from here. In this temple, the Goddess Durgai Amman is having white eyes.

Arakandanallur/ Aramkandanallur
1.jpg
Arakandanallur/ Aramkandanallur (Aram + Kanda + Nalla + oor) is a small village located near Tirukoilur. It has a Shiva temple (Athulyanatheswarar) built on a rock, very close to the banks of the river. This temple has archaeological importance. It has cave rooms carved out of the rock and it also has a sub-way inside of another adjacent rock leading to veeman kundru. Local people believe that Pancha Pandavas lived here during their time of Vanavasa. It is believed that Ramana Maharishi visited this temple.

Kabilar Kundru (Kabilar Rock)
a.gif
Kapilar (Tamil: கபிலர்) was refliterature Sangam poet. He was a contemporary of Karikala Chola, Irunkōvēl and Vēl Pāri. He was the close friend and confidant of Vēl Pāri, one of the Vēlir kings. He was born in Thiruvadhavur in the Pandyan Kingdom. Initially a poet at the Pandyan court, he would leave at an early age and show his talent at various places before finally ending up at the court of Vel Pari.Kapilar would hear about the generosity and virtue of Vēl Pāri, a powerful Vēlir King who ruled over Parambu nādu, a heavily fortified kingdom that comprised about 300 villages, and pay him a visit. They would go on to become the thickest of friends. He would be his confidant and stay with Vēl Pāri until the latter's last breath.
During this period the three crowned Tamil kings were in the process of expanding their empires and turned the independenet Velir chiefs into sub-ordinates or eliminated them. When the three crowned Kings besiege the kingdom of Parambu, Vēl Pāri a warrior like no other will refuse to bow and face them head on. Kapilar would sing some of the most notable poems in praise of his patron during this time. In the end, Vēl Pāri would finally be killed by treachery after defying them for years.

Kapilar, a true friend, would then take the two daughters (Angavai & Sangavai) of Vēl Pāri and go in search of appropriate grooms. He would knock on the doors of the other Vēlir kings and unsuccessfully plead with each before finally giving up. He would be let down each time as the other Vēls would fear retribution from the 3 crowned kings. The most notable of these encounters is when he sings to Irunkōvēl and the latter would throw an insult and shut the door on the great poet. He would finally leave the two princesses in the care of Brahmins.

The death of his friend will affect him so greatly that he would perform vadakirrutal, one of the Tamil acts of committing suicide. He would sit facing north and starve himself to death. The place where kabilar committed suicide by starving is now called as Kabilar Kundru.
Courtesy: Wikipedia.

Road Condition: Good from Villupuram & Thiruvannamalai. Look for some rough patches in Villages. You will need 45 to 60 Mins to reach here from both the places.

Temple Open Time: 6:00 AM to 12:00PM, 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM.

Best Time to Visit: Non-festival days, so that you can visit the temple freely.
 
Thread Starter #3
Joined
Apr 1, 2014
Messages
527
Likes
962
Location
Chennai / Pondy
Re: Not Easily Seen But Exceptional Temples – Tamil Nadu (Villupuram Dist)

ADHI TIRUVARANGAM

Location:
Adhi Tiruvarangam is small village in bank of Pennai River in Villupuram Dist, Tamil Nadu.
It’s 51 KM far from Villupuram Bus Stand which is there in NH 45. Tamil Nadu.
It’s 30 KM far from Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu.

aa.jpg

a.jpg

History of Tiruvarangam
One of the oldest temples for Lord Ranganatha dating back to Kretha Yugam.
Gigantic Ranganatha is bigger than the Lord at Srirangam, Tamilnadu & Srirangapatna in Karnataka

This temple dates back to the first Yugam (Kretha Yugam) and the first Avathaaram (Matsya Avathaaram). Hence, this Kshetram is referred to as ‘Adhi’ Rangam.

Lord Ranganatha is seen in a gigantic east facing sleeping posture and measures over 15 feet, not seen in any other Divya Desam.
Reference to this temple is found in Skaantha Puranam Uthara Kaandam - 301-306 athyayam under Uthara Ranga Mahatmiyam.

There are three stories that describe the significance of this temple.

1. The Devas, who lost the Vedic scriptures after being defeated by Asura Shomugan, approached Brahmma who in turn sought the help of Lord Narayana.

Finding out the hide-out of the Asura under the sea, Lord Narayana took the form of Matsya and defeated the Asura and handed back the Vedic scriptures to Brahmma. Lord Narayana retrived the Indraloka from Asuras and handed over to Devas. After completing this activity Narayana took at this place. It is believed that the Lord initiated the Vedic lessons to Brahmma in this Kshetram. One sees the Lord with his left thumb folded towards his fingers in a posture indicating this.

Acceding to the prayers of the Devas, Lord Narayana is said to have directed his sculptor Vishwakarma to create an image of his similar to the one in Thiru Paarkadal.

2. In Kretha Yugam, a king by name Suratha Keerthi lived a prosperous life but he had one unfulfilled wish. He did not have a child. As suggested by Sage Narada, he came, with his wife, to the place where Lord Ranganatha was sleeping under Adhiseshan and undertook penance. Answering his prayers, he was blessed with four children.

3. Chandran, who showed love to only one of his 27 wives, was cursed by his other wives to lose his handsome looks. He came to Uthara Rangam, undertook penance in the temple tank to the South East of the temple and was liberated from his curse. Hence, the pushkarni here is called Chandran Pushkarani.

The sanctum…
1.jpg
The Sriranganatha is in sanyam position on top of adisheshan with sridevi in left hand shoulder side and the Poodevi holding the left foot of Ranganatha in her laps and the right foot is on the body of adisesha. Ranganatha is smiling posture and keeping his right hand to head and teaching the Vedhas to Bramma with his left hand. Garuda alwar is waiting near to right hand to do order from Ranganatha.

Temple History Explained by the Priest in Tamil:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErpNHB8XnIY

How to go?

From Tirukoilur - On Tiruvannamalai Road, there is a village "Kucchi Palayam", from here take divension to reach "Manalurpettai". You can find a direction board on the Thiruvannamali mainroad to reach the temple. Local villagers can guide if your get struck.
2.jpg
From Tiruvannamalai - Reach Manalurpettai. Local villagers can guide if your get struck.

After reaching Manalurpettai, ask for "Tiruvarangam" temple. Local villagers will guide very well. (99% Tamil speaking people only). You can navigate by using the above map.

On the way to Sithamoor junction, you will cross bridge which is constructed on the Pennai River.
3.jpg

Immediately crossing the bring take right side village road. You can see the direction board.
4.jpg

This Road will take you the Mandapa of the temple. From the Mandapa, take right side which will taken you to the temple entrance.
5.jpg

Some Photos of the temple:
Temple Entrance
6.jpg
Temple Tower Top
7.jpg
Pennai River
8.jpg

Road Condition: Good condition Road till you cross the River. Village road is a bumpy road.

Temple Open Time: 6:00AM to 8:00PM. No Breaks.

Best Time To Visit: Non-festival days.
 
Last edited:
Joined
Dec 5, 2010
Messages
1,550
Likes
1,026
Location
Bangalore
wonderful TN timiri NAVAPASHANA SHIVALINGHAM Temple (underconstruction )

Adding this temple \ god info here,

This is based on what i have witnessed and what am believe with,

I strongly believe temples are not only a workship place, if you deeply probe or investigate you will find so many information scripted at temples (example one temple contains medical procedure used in prehistoric days, and another temple show you the exceptional architecture ability of mankind before mordern science came in to picture.

Lets come to fact am going to talk about.

History and subject of this topic.

Subject: tamil word "navapashanam" their is no direct english word for this tamil word, but i will tell you the meaning,

NAVA means 9 (example 9 planets are called navagraha's )
PASHANAM refers to a typical kind of medicine made from deadly poison(s)

So meaning of "navapashanam" is medicine made up of 9 type of deady poisons, people believe that this medicine is having rarely and highly curable properties and it can able to cure almost all disease.

In tamil nadu the pazhani muruga statue was made by bhogar sidhar, and you known its made up of navapashanam

No am not going to tell about the known temple palani, but am here to talk about navabashana lingham temple at timiri

History

There is an ancient Shiva temple "Pashana Lingeswarar" in Timiri, 8 Kms from Arcot (on the Arcot-Arni State Highway). The Shiva Lingam is very small and is made out of Nava Pashanams , by Kings that ruled Timiri. Fearing that the enemies might invade this place and damage this Lingam, the king , many 100s of years back, kept this Lingam in a tortoise shell, filled with water, and dropped the shell in a Pond in this temple premises.
In 1980s, this Lingam was found in and taken out from this temple's Pond, as per Olai Kurippu(Notes from saints via Palm Leaf) or Nadi Sashtram that was read in Tanjore.
This temple is maintained now very well by a dedicated old person (Mr.Radha Krishnan - Cell: 93447 30899) who was the king that protected this Lingam in his previous birth. This temple needs valuable support from the devotees, to construct a Hall, and to install few more deities (Muruga, Parvathy...etc).
The Lingam is always kept in Pure Mineral Water, and the Theertham from this temple cures all kinds of diseases, as these Nava Pashanams have high medicinal importance. There are lot of people that have got cured from incurable diseases by taking this
temple's miraculous Theertham by Lord Shiva's grace.

I have visited a month back
Where is it:

Thimiri is a small village located on the way from arcot to arani (approx 10 kms ) from arcot,
From bangalore i went to ranipet via old madras road followed chennai route till ranipet from ranipet take diversion towards arcot and from arcot take arani route and check after reaching 10 kms ask for thimiri and at thimiri ask for navapashana lingham temple

Here is the web link to help you further

Ramapalayam: Pashana Lingam - Shiva Temple, Timiri

the below link has the picture of the pashana lingham and temple underconstruction
pashana Lingam temple in Timiri Vellore dist India


Posting from mobile, please pardon me for spelling or other errors if any

Here am not spreading roumor or declaring propaganda or spreading religion, just leting others know on what i have enjoyed and witnessed .

Its not mandatory to donate to temple if you are intrested you can



Thanks for reading
 
Last edited:
Joined
Aug 23, 2009
Messages
3,171
Likes
829
Location
Ahmedabad
Gandhi, thankyou for sharing with us this wonderful places of our history.
Its a wonderful travelogue with needed information about our heritage history not so known to all.Looking at the creativity of craftsmanship our anchestors had during those time is a previledge for us tobe a part of this country.

Madhu, thankyou for sharing your information, it surely isnt just an temple to look at or worship to, if one is really intrested to go deep into the knowledge behind the constructions, reasons of it being in there along with the scientific as well as medically reasons it has.
 
Joined
Feb 25, 2014
Messages
16
Likes
13
Location
Puducherry
Thank you Gandhi for the nice write-up.
Will try this route next time I make a Pondy-Tiruvannamalai trip.
Must start early in the morning and enjoy the drive and the trip.
 
Joined
Oct 30, 2013
Messages
131
Likes
94
Location
Chennai
Gandhi

Thanks very much for this travelogue. This is now one of my travel list for one of coming weekends.[:)]
 
Last edited:
Thread Starter #9
Joined
Apr 1, 2014
Messages
527
Likes
962
Location
Chennai / Pondy
Thank you Gandhi for the nice write-up.
Will try this route next time I make a Pondy-Tiruvannamalai trip.
Must start early in the morning and enjoy the drive and the trip.
Gandhi

Thanks very much for this travelogue. This is now one of my travel list for one of coming weekends.[:)]
Thanks for your gratitiude Beat2014 & srinivas_gs. If your planning to visit, then the purpose of this travelogue is complete. Once you visit those temples by knowing the history, you will have different feeling. Plan to complete Tirukoilur first and head to Tiruvarangam as the temple will not close after 12:00PM (Most of the temples do).

Better to carry a good food, because you will get below average quality food only but not bad.

Post some pics and experience after your visit in this thread.
 
Joined
Dec 22, 2011
Messages
152
Likes
21
Location
Mangalore
Oh..Thanking you immensely for a wonderful photos and details about the temples you have visited. I usually visit places like "Navagraha" temples, Thittai,(Best Shiva temple near Thanjavoor) Thanjavoor etc. Next time I will plan these temples. [clap]
 
Joined
Sep 18, 2013
Messages
1,774
Likes
2,274
Location
Coimbatore
Great! I have never even seen these temples despite having been to Villupuram and Kumbakonam many times.
Will plan for these places too next time.
 
Joined
May 21, 2011
Messages
3,077
Likes
1,927
Location
Vellore/Chennai
Wow Excellent Details Gandhi[clap]

BTW, Thirukovilur is my Dad's Native and I'm a frequent traveler to those places you mentioned above.

Adithiruvarangam is one of the Old and Big temple. I like the grandness of the temple.

When coming to Road condition, the road between Thiruvanamalai to Thirukovilur is one of the best road for Driving. I love driving on that stretch.

Apart from that, all the roads are good in that surroundings. At some places on Thiruvarangam stretch will be bad, but Manageable.
 
Joined
Nov 24, 2014
Messages
64
Likes
18
Location
Bangalore
Couple of weeks ago while travelling to Pondicherry, by gods grace could visit both the temples (a) Thiruvarangam, and (b) Thirukkoilur referred in this thread.

As the Krishnagiri to Tiruvannamalai route is very bad. Used the following road.
-> Bangalore - Karimangalam - NH7 and route is best
-> Karimangalam - Arur - Reasonably good road
(in Arur getting on to Tiruvannamalai road was little bit tricky.. some how managedto get in to Tiruvannamalai without major issue)
-> Arur - Poyyapatti - Reddiarpalem : till the Fork towards Tiruvarangam road - reasonably good roads.. Many times changing direction from North to East to South East to winding roads.. Also this road cuts thru a forest
-> This road intersects Kallakurichhi road - There we take left and with in 50mts right.. this is the very bad road.. Fortuner was tested ofcourse didn't engage 4*4.

Reached Thiruvarangam.. and its bliss to get the blessings :-)

From Thiruvarangam to Tirukkoilur - approx 30mts (20kms) : You travel via manalur pettai.. Road is busy and good rural road. Here traffic is moderate.

Route map : https://www.google.com/maps/dir/12....267da3a7b0b!2m2!1d79.2086621!2d11.9687124!3e0
 

Top Bottom