Hindu Temples of India: September 2018

Saturday, September 22, 2018

Thiruvanchikulam Mahadevar Temple, Kodungallur, Kerala

Thiruvanchikulam Mahadevar Temple, Kodungallur, Kerala

Mahadeva Temple or Thiruvanchikkulam Temple or ThiruvanJai Kalam Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva situated in Kodungallur in Thrissur district in the South Indian state of Kerala in India. The Temple is constructed in the Kerala style of architecture, the temple is believed to have been built during the Chera period in the 8th century. Presiding Deity is called as Mahadevar / Anjaikala Easwarar. It is believed that Lord Shiva lived here along with Parvathi, Karthikeyan and Ganapathy, hence there is no separate Sannathi for Devi Parvathy. The presiding deity Mahadeva is also the family god of Cochin Royal Family who took over the kingdom after the decline of the Chera Kingdom.

The presiding deity is revered in the 7^th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Thevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the Nayanmars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam, one of the 276 temples that find mention in the canon. This is the 266^th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and only one Sthalam in Malai Nadu (Only Thevaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam in Kerala). The temple is maintained and administered by the Thiruvanchikulam Devaswom under the Cochin Devaswom Board.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

http://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2018/09/thiruvanchikulam-mahadevar-temple-legends.html

History

For brief details, please refer below link;

http://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2018/09/thiruvanchikulam-mahadevar-temple-history.html

The Temple

For brief details, please refer below link;

http://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2018/09/thiruvanchikulam-mahadevar-temple-temple.html

Temple Opening Time

The temple remains open from 05.00 AM to 11.00 AM and 05.00 PM to 08.00 PM.

Festivals

For brief details, please refer below link;

http://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2018/09/thiruvanchikulam-mahadevar-temple-festivals.html

Literary Mention

For brief details, please refer below link;

http://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2018/09/thiruvanchikulam-mahadevar-temple-literary-mention.html

Prayers

The Dhambathi Puja (puja for couples) performed in the temple in evenings, is considered very important. Then follows the Palli Arai Puja which devotees attend seeking child boon. This darshan also helps reunion among couples separated for some reason or other. This puja is arranged at the request of the devotee with prior appointment and registration. Devotees pray for a happy married life and be blessed with children. Devotees perform archanas with Vilwa leaves and vastras.

Contact

Mahadevar Temple,

Thiru Anjaikalam,

Via Kodungalur – 680 664,

Trissur District, Kerala

Phone: +91 480 281 2061

Connectivity

For brief details, please refer below link;

http://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2018/09/thiruvanchikulam-mahadevar-temple-connectivity.html

Location | Photos

Thiruvanchikulam Mahadevar Temple – Connectivity

Thiruvanchikulam Mahadevar Temple – Connectivity

Thiruvanchikulam Temple is situated in Kodungallur of Thrissur District. The town of Kodungallur is also famous for Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple. The Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple, 3 Kms from Kodungallur, 40 Kms from Thrissur, 44 Kms from Cochin, 51 Kms from Guruvayur and 236 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram.

By Road:

The Temple is located at about 600 meters from Keetholi Bus Stop, 700 meters from Cheraman Masjid Bus Stop and 1 Km from Kodungallur Bus Station. Kodungallur is well connected by KSRTC buses and private transport buses. The city is well connected to Kochi, Thrissur and Guruvayur. Tourist deluxe luxury buses are available from many cities including Chennai, Bangalore, Trivandrum and Kozhikode to Kodungallur.

By Train:

The Temple is located at about 21 Kms from Chalakkudy Railway Station and 22 Kms from Irinjalakuda Railway Station. Irinjalakuda is well connected with other major railway stations. It is in the main route connecting Kochi and Palghat. Taxi services are available from railway station to Kodungallur at a fare of about Rs 300.

By Air:

The Temple is located at about 28 Kms from Cochin International Airport and 238 Kms from Trivandrum International Airport. Taxi services are available from Kochi to Kodungallur costing about Rs 500. Kochi airport is well connected to all major airports in India and also connected to many foreign cities. Direct flights are available to Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore.

Thiruvanchikulam Mahadevar Temple – Literary Mention

Thiruvanchikulam Mahadevar Temple – Literary Mention

Sundarar, a 7th-century Tamil Saivite poet, venerated Mahadeva in ten verses in Thevaram, compiled as the Seventh Thirumurai. As the temple is revered in Thevaram, it is classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam, one of the 276 temples that find mention in the Saiva canon. This is the 266^th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and only one Sthalam in Malai Nadu. The temple is believed to be the place where Sundarar and king Cheraman spent their last days and believed to have ascended to Kailasa in a white elephant.

It is also noteworthy that the story of Epic Peria Puranam by inspired poet Sekkizhar begins at Kailash and ends at Kailash with Sundarar as the main character of the epic. The epic is a poetic biography of Saivite Saints who lived in Tamilnadu spreading Shiva philosophy at a time when Saivism faced the onslaught of other religions. Reaching Tiru Anjaikalam, his last day on Earth and readying to reach Lord Shiva, Sundarar’s excitement was high. In his last song, he recalls the handsome appearance of Lord Shiva wearing garlands, the Ganga on his head, the tiger skin dress, serpents on his shoulders as ornaments and the scenic beauty of Tiru Anjaikalam where Lord Graces in the name of Mahadeva.

Thiruvanchikulam Mahadevar Temple – Festivals

Thiruvanchikulam Mahadevar Temple – Festivals

The temple priests perform the puja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. The temple rituals are performed four times a day; Kalasanthi at 8:00 a.m., Uchikalam at 12:00 a.m. and Sayarakshai at 6:00 p.m. There are weekly rituals like Somavaram (Monday) and Sukravaram (Friday), fortnightly rituals like Pradosham, and monthly festivals like Ammavasai (new moon day), Kiruthigai, Pournami (full moon day) and Sathurthi.

The ten-day Vaikasi Pournami Brahmotsavam festival celebrated during the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May - June) is being the most prominent festival. Mahasivarathri in February-March is celebrated grandly for 8 days with Arrattu on the New Moon day. Aanayottam is also conducted as part of the festival. The hoisting of the Thiruvanchikulam Shiva Temple flag atop the flagstaff (Dwajasthambam) about 70 feet high marks the beginning of the festival.

Special poojas are also performed during many Hindu festivals and on auspicious days. The main offering in the Thiruvanchikulam Shiva Temple is Sankabishekam (pouring Shanku flowers on the idol. The main event in the Thiruvanchikulam Shiva Temple is ‘Dhambathi Pooja’ (couple offering), in which worships the Siva-Parvathy dual and lead them to the ‘Palliyarai’ (their personal bed room).

Thiruvanchikulam Mahadevar Temple – History

Thiruvanchikulam Mahadevar Temple – History

This is the only Thevaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam in Kerala. Shiva is the family god of the Cochin Royal Family (Perumpadapu Swaroopam after they came to power following the decline of Chera Empire). The temple has very good mural paintings and is a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India. The temple has the oldest reference in history in Thevaram Hymns sung by Sundara Murthi Nayanar (also known as Sundarar in Tamil), one of the four Saiva Acharyas. The Thiruvanchikulam Shiva Temple is believed to be built by Cheraman Perumal, a legendary Chera king.

It is also believed that Cheraman Perumal and his minister and friend Sundaramoorthy Nayanar left their life in the temple. The temple is located in a place namely ‘Cheraman Parambu, and is believed to be the ancient palace spot of the Cheras. The capital city of the Kulasekharas, Mahodayapuram, was built around the temple; it was protected by high fortifications on all sides and had extensive pathways and palaces.

Thiruvanchikulam Shiva Temple had undergone several invasions in the flow of time. The Dutch and The Tipu Sultan of Mysore are the prominent ones, who demolished this temple during their invasions. This temple was attacked and damaged severely during Tipu Sultan's invasion of Kerala; the copper roofing and gold and jewels were looted. Tipu's Muslim soldiers fled the temple complex only after the arrival of the Travancore Army of Dalawa Keshavadas Pillai. The temple was rebuilt by Paliath Achan of Kochi / Perumpadappu Swaroopam.

In the late medieval Thiruvanchikulam was under the ruler of Cochin but occasionally, the Zamorin of Calicut had usurped the control. The Thiruvanchikulam Shiva Temple was renovated in 1801 AD. The temple is associated with Chidambaram temple in Tamil Nadu. It is believed that the main idol of worship, Siva Linga is brought from Chidambaram Temple. It was one of the most popular Shiva temple in South India.

Thiruvanchikulam Mahadevar Temple – Legends

Thiruvanchikulam Mahadevar Temple – Legends

Sundarar ascension to Kailasa:

The temple is believed to be the place where Sundarar and King Cheraman spent their last days and believed to have ascended to Kailasa in a white elephant. Tiru Anjaikalam is a jewel among the Shiva shrines of Tamilnadu sung by Saint Sundarar, also known as Nambi Aroorar, Thambiran Thozhar (Friend of Lord Shiva). He was born in Tiru Navalur in Villupuram district. When Cheraman visited Tiruvarur, Sundarar extended him all hospitality to him. He travelled with the king to many Shiva centers in Chola, Pandya and Kongu regions in the state. He reached Kodungalur in Kerala and stayed with the king Cheraman. Continuing his journey, he spread the glory of Lord Shiva.

Saint Sundarar was 18 when he came to Tiru Anjaikalam with his King Friend Cheraman Perumal who also enjoys his due place in the hierarchy of Nayanmars. He prayed to Lord Shiva to relieve him from the bonds of earthly life. The hymn “Thalaiku Thalai was his last song. Responding to the appeal of his devotee, Lord ordered the Devas to receive Sundarar and bring him on the white elephant. Sundarar thought of his bosom friend Cheraman Perumal. Cheraman took on his horse, flew, went around Sundarar thrice and reached Kailas before him, probably ready to accord a reception to Sundarar. Sundarar, even during his journey, continued to sing the praise of Lord gracing him with an elephant to reach Kailash. Sooner, he completed this song, he reached the Lord.

As directed by Lord Shiva, Varuna the God of Rain took the song and delivered at the Mahadevar Temple at Tiru Anjaikalam. In fact, the idols of both these personalities are there in the Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple. This event was taken place on Swati day in the month of Karkidakam (July/August) and special Poojas are performed in these shrines.

Parasurama worshipped Lord Shiva here:

It is believed that it the temple where Parasurama, an avatar of Vishnu worshiped Shiva to expiate his sin killing his mother Renuka.

No separate Shrine for Mother Parvathy:

It is believed that Lord Shiva lived here along with Parvathi, Karthikeyan and Ganapathy, hence there is no separate Sannathi for Devi Parvathy.

Scar Mark on Lingam:

There is a scar mark on left side on the top of the head. This marking is attributed to a story. When Shiva and Parvathi appeared before Arjuna in the form of Kiratha and Kirathu (hunter and huntress) Arjuna hit on the forehead of Kiratha which caused the mark. This was due to mistaken identity.

Pampummekkattu Mana:

There is yet another story winding the temple. Umamaheshwara once appeared in this place where Vasuki (serpent God and holy Nagas (serpents)) stood guard. A Brahmin had taken away Vasuki who stood guard to Umamaheshwara (Uma and Maheshwara – Parvathi and Shiva) in a palm-leaf umbrella to his Mana (home) for worship with the blessings of Umamaheshwara. This Brahmin family later became rich and their Mana famed as Pampummekkattu (serving of snake) Mana. This Mana is about 6-km east of Mahadeva temple. It is very famous for serpent Gods. People from all over Kerala and beyond visit here for the solution of problems connected with serpents.

Thiruvanchikulam Mahadevar Temple – The Temple

Thiruvanchikulam Mahadevar Temple – The Temple

The temple is built in Kerala style of architecture with entrance towers in all four sides. The temple is facing east and devotees used to enter through western entrance, since this is very convenient from the national high way. Tiru Anjaikalam Mahadeva Swami temple is the only shrine in Kerala praised in Thevaram hymns. The majestic gateway is decorated with carvings of elephants, gods and goddesses. Only the left side of the entrance there is a stone carving of Shiva and Parvathi as right and left respectively. Inside the enclosure there is a porch with carvings dedicated to the characters of the great Hindu epic of Ramayana.

There is a Namaskara Mandapam, with 16 pillars in front of the Sree Kovil (Sanctum), which is one of the major attractions of this temple. The sanctum occupies the centre portion of the temple, which is fortified. The sanctum is approached through a flagstaff, which is axial to the entrance tower and the sanctum. The flagstaff has images of Asthavidyesavara. Presiding Deity is called as Mahadevar / Anjaikala Easwarar.

The presiding deity is in the form of lingam. The Lingam here is said to have been self-incarnated. It is of 4-inch length, 12-inch diameter and in semi-circle form. There is water around as synonymous to Ganga. There is a scar mark on left side on the top of the head. Lord Mahadeva was the family deity of Chola kings. The idol was brought from Chidambaram and installed here in the year 1801, according to epigraphic details. The image of Narasimha is sculpted on the vimana.

Mother Ambica graces with Lord Shiva in the same sanctorum in Sadasiva form. Mother is called as Umadevi. It is believed that Lord Shiva lived here along with Parvathi, Karthikeyan and Ganapathy, hence there is no separate Sannathi for Devi Parvathy. The images of Sundarar and Cheraman Peruman are maintained at Bhagavathy temple and brought to the temple during Swati festival during July - August.

There are shrines of Lord Ganapathy, Cheraman Perumal, Sundaramoorthy Nayanar, Brangiradi, Sandhyavelakkal Sivan, Palliyarai Sivan, Sakthi Panchakshari, Bhagavathy, Goddess Parvathy, Lord Parameshwara, Pradhosha Nrithya, Saptamatrika, Rishabha, Nandikeshan, Unni Thevar, Lord Ayyappan, Lord Hanuman, Nagaraja, Lord Pasupathi, Nadakkal Sivan, Lord Subramanya, Goddess Durga Bhagavathy, Goddess Ganga, Konnakkal Siva, Kottarathil Thevar, Nagayakshi, Dakshinamoorthy, Althara Gopudan Swamy etc. in the Temple premises.

There are more than 25 deities around the prakara. All the deities names were written in Tamil also along with Malayalam. This is the only temple in Kerala that has a long round prakara. There are two temple tanks in the temple, located in the second precinct. Sthala Vriksham is Sarakondrai and Theertham is Sivagangai.

The shrine also has beautiful murals, woodcarvings and sculptures depicting Hindu mythology. The sanctum walls bear murals portraying Lord Ram and other mythological characters in five panels. The exterior of Palliyarai walls also have mural paintings. The temple is a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Thursday, September 13, 2018

Kalahasteeswara Swamy Temple, Sri Kalahasthi, Andhra Pradesh

Kalahasteeswara Swamy Temple, Sri Kalahasthi, Andhra Pradesh

Kalahasteeswara Swamy Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Srikalahasthi Town in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. This temple is located on the banks of River Swarnamukhi, adjoining a hill in Chittoor district in Andhra Pradesh. Srikalahasthi is one of the Pancha Bootha Sthalam, represents the Vayu Sthalam the others being manifest at Arunachala (Agni-Linga), Kanchi (Prithvi-Linga), Chidambaram (Akasha-Linga) and Thiruvanaikaval (Jala-Linga). The temple is also regarded as Rahu-Ketu Kshetra and Dakshina Kasi.

Vayu is incarnated as Lord Shiva and worshipped as Kalahasteeswara. Goddess Parvathi Devi is worshiped here as Gnanaparasunambikai. It is one of the most famous Shiva temples in South India, and is said to be the site where Kannappa, one of the 63 Saivite Nayanmars, was ready to offer both his eyes to cover blood flowing from the Siva Linga before the Lord Siva stopped him and granted him Mukthi. The inner temple was constructed around 5th century and the outer temple was constructed in the 12th century by the Chola Kings and the Vijaya Nagara kings.

The Shivalinga at Sri Kalahasti is marked by symbols of three creatures — that of a spider at the bottom, a five-hooded snake on top and elephant-tusks on either side. Legend informs us that Sri (spider), Kala (snake) and Hasti (elephant) were cursed by Brahma, Shiva and Parvati but attained moksha by worshipping Lord Shiva here. Hence Shiva came to be called Sri Kalahasteeswara. It is one of the shrines of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams - Shiva Sthalams glorified in the early medieval Thevaram poems by Tamil Saivite Nayanar Sundarar.

This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 19^th Shiva Sthalam in Thondai Nadu. A lamp burns inside the inner sanctum that constantly flickers despite the lack of air movement inside. Kalahasti is located near the pilgrimage town of Tirupati and is visited by thousands of pilgrims. The river Swarnamukhi takes the northerly course at Sri Kalahasthi almost washing the west wall of the famous Sri Kalahasthi temple. The temple architecture is a treat to the eyes for all those who visit Srikalahasthi.