Kanchi Mahaswami Satabdhi Manimantapam at Oruirukkai village

today afternoon I happened to visit Kanchi and also fulfilled my desire of visiting the Kanchi Mahaswami Satabdhi Manimantapam lovingly built by pudu periyava and bala periyava in memory of paramacharya.
How to reach:
Oruirukkai is about 5 kms away from Kanchi as a continuation of the kamarajar salai in Kanchi. .When you reach the village look for the board on the right as in the photo below
 
A short ride brings you to the Mani mandapam
 
The kumbabishekam was performed on 28/1/2011 and it is a beautiful structure being built in the dravidian style with granite on the banks of the Palar river.
History of oruirukai
The place is connected to Thirumazisai alwar and the gurubhakthi of his shishya which forced even the lord to leave Thiruvika and spend a night at this place thus giving the name oru iravu irukkai! what a fitting tribute of gurubhakthi which is reminded to all by this act of both periyavas’s towards their guru  the Paramacharya!!
http://www.manimantapam.org/perumal.html

here is a synopsis from the manimandapam website

The legend is a moving one.Thirumazhisai Alwar who worshipped the Lord of Thiruvekka majestically reclining on his serpentine bed,was cared for by a couple.When the son Kanikannan was born to them,he became the Alwar's steadfast devotee.One day when Kanikannan saw a woman frail and bent with age,sweeping the temple premises offering worship to the Lord,he was moved.He stroked her hunched back in appreciation.The power of his guru surged into him and the woman regained her youth and was able to continue offering worship to the Lord with fresh vigour.The king of the period who greedily desired his youth restored to him requested Kanikannan to do so.But the youngman refused outright which enraged the king and he banished Kanikannan from his kingdom.The Alwar prepared to go with him and asked Lord Thiruvekka also to come too,as he could not live without Him. The Lord rolled up his serpentine bed and obediently followed the Alwar and Kanikannan. The three travelled some distance way from Kancheepuram on the northern bank of the Paalaar river and stayed the night there.But,with the Lord's departure,the town was plunged in darkness and disorder.The ruler realized his mistake and rushed to the trio,seeking their forgiveness.The Lord returned to Kanchi with his devotees.
The place where he stayed overnight came to be known as Oriravu irukkai,which later got shortened to Orirukkai. This village deity is appropriately called 'Yatoktakari'/ 'Sonnavannam cheitha'Perumal. The Utsavar comes out once in a year to the street in this village where a Vinayaka temple exists - now at the entrance to the site of the Satabdhi ManiMantapam from the Northern side.
The temple contains a large prahara Mandapam with two halls and a sanctum with a huge idol of Mahaperiyava in a rudraksha mandabam .The walls have exquisite carvings in granite and the sculptures are breathtaking, especially the acharya parampara, the Pradosha thandavam, the navagraha with stone chains hanging from the roof and so On.
 

( view from the main entrance)
 
(Prahara mandapam from the sanctum)
 
Entrance to the side mandapams in the prahara
  

(Pradosha thandavam fresco)
 
( guru parampara fresco in stonewith Mahaperiyava below above him is  adisankara and Mahvishnu at the top with other sages around )

 

( navagrahas with the stone chains hanging from the roof all from a single stone!!)
almost all figures and panels are sculpted from a single stone
  

( a lion with a free rolling ball inside the mouth see the pic below) 
 
 

( the ref drawing used to sculpt the elephants all from a single block of granite)

 

( Huge Nandhi being carved from a large block of granite)
 
(Utsava murthy in a Rudraksha mandabam)
 
I have lots more pics to show  but its too vast to cover in a sinle post

Umtimatly it was a wonderful experience to see the gurubhakthi shown by our present periyavas.
ref: manimandapam web site

Navagraha temples in Chennai around Porur- Somanatheshwara temple at somamangalam , Chandran Kshetram

Today I found time to visit this tiny peaceful temple situated between Tambaram and Sriperumbadur. It is the Chandran kshetram in the navagraha temples of the Thondai mandalam of Chola land.
How to reach:
There are three main routes to go to this temple.
1) From Tambaram take the road to Kishkinda theme park and after 14 kms(6 kms beyond this park) you will reach Sairam engineering college  proceed straight and you will reach the Govt school on the right and Periapalayathamman koil in front of you at the village centre . Take the left turn here and in 2 kms you will reach the temple
2) From Sriperumbudur when you are proceeding from Chennai after the Rajiv Gandhi memorial take the left road to Kunrathur (the Sriperumbudur Kodambakkam highway 113) approx 10 kms from sriperumbudur look for the right turn to Darkas follow the road for 4.5 kms and you will reach the Somamangalam amman temple go straight for about 2 kms to reach the temple
3) From Porur Junction take the Kunrathur road and reach kunrathur. At this place take a right turn after the Naageshwarar temple into SH 113 proceed for about 15 kms till you reach the Darkas road. the road skirts Chembarambakkam eri and is parallel to the chennai Bangalore highway. After the madha medical college and Madha engineering college you will come to Nandambakkam  and to Darkas road junction .Take a left here. From Porur junction this point  is exactly 15 kms. Rest is as per the second route.


Legend  associated with the temple:
Once Moon God (Soma) was cursed by King Daksha and lost his beauty. Distressed by this, Chandran prayed to Lord Shiva, took bath in the ‘Vinai Theertha Kulam’ (the tank that eliminates all bad karmas) at half a km to the west of this temple and worshipped Shiva to regain his lost charm.
This ancient temple was built by the Chola king, Kulathunga Chola in 1073 A.D. This has the Gajaprushti vimana. It is believed that 108 shiva temples have been built by the same king. Thirumazhisai, Somangalam, Manimangalam Dharmeshvarar and Mannivakkam (maniaandi) are some of the temples of that group in this region. This temple  has Somanatheeswarar as the main deity with the Chandra adorning Shiva
When the temple was being built, invaders came  to battle but the men were all busy with constructing temples so  the King prayed to lord Shiva, who then asked Nandhi to go out and counter the enemies. Nandhi, without getting up from his place, vanquished the invaders just by blowing out his breath . The  Nandhi is looking away from the lord as in the Thirumullaivoyal temple .Another legend  says that a sage named Somanathar attained Jeeva Samadhi at the feet of Lord Nandhikeswarar, who is believed to have guarded the sage  against any disturbances while doing penance.
The inscriptions found in the temple reveal interesting details of the local lake which got damaged and about the repair works undertaken to it. Also, there is information about the donation of cows to the temple to fetch revenue for lighting the lamps in the temple, every evening
The temple:
There is a small temple for Vinayaka just outside the main temple



As you enter the gate which is in the south to the left you see the main sanctum of Lord shiva and a small sannidhi for Vinayaka.
This main sannidhi has the statues of Brahma , balasubramanyam  on the left
( as seen below)
There is an imposing sannidhi for Shri Balasubramanyan here  to commemorate his taking over Brahma’s functions for  short time ( see pic below). This lord is facing east and in from of him is the path to the Sivan sannidhi seen on the right side of the pic below

(The temple legend seen in this hall)
The main Sivalingam is imposing and serene with the garbagruha very cool on a hot day.Lord Natarajar here is present as Chathura Thaandava Murthy which is again very unique and is  rarely seen anywhere else.Chathuram (square) is the shape of moon god that coincides with the Chathura thandavam of Natarajar
You can see the Nandi outside this complex facing east away from Siva

Next to the main sannidhi In front of the main gate  is the imposing sannidhi of Kamakshi devi facing South

Between the Sivan and Kamakshi sannidhis to the North west is another  seperate sannidhi for Balasubramanian
To the Eastern side  facing the Siva shrine are the sannidhis of Chandran and Suryan  flanking the gate . You can see the Chandran sanidhi below with a navagraha sannidhi on the left
Sri Dhakshinamurthy, Sri Mahavishnu, Sri Brahma, Sri Durgai and Sri Chandikeshwarar are seen on the outer walls of the sanctum. The other deities like Sri Valli Devasena Samedha Sri Subramanyar and Sri Bhairavar have separate shrines on the outer praakaaram.
( as seen in the photos below)

(Vinayakar and Dakshina murthy on the south west)

(Shri.Mahavishnu on the eastern side)

(Durga and Chandikeshwarar on the north side)
The pond is called Chandikeshwara theertham as it was built by him it seems

There is a Nagalingam and naga devatha below the sthala vriksham Sarakonnai tree



( idols found behind the Sarakonnai tree)

(view from behind the Kamakshi sannidhi and next to the Bhairavar sannidhi)

(view from the Chandran Sannidhi on the East)
There are inscriptions belonging to 5 different time periods

In the outer praharam there are idols of Saptha mathas, the first in the row being Jyeshta devi, the ambal of Lord Saturn and earlier one to emerge than Mahalakshmi when the Milky ocean was churned, a rare idol. Also present is Maandhi with buffalo head born to Jyeshta devi and Saniswaran

 
Contact: Suresh Kurukkal – 044 – 2717 8330 (lives near the temple)
Temple Timing: 8 AM – 10 AM and 5 PM – 7 PM – It is preferred to visit the temple only in the mornings
since not many people visit the temple the evening timing is variable . In fact when i went in the morning there was nobody and luckily the keys were produced by a neighbor who let us inside to enjoy the calmness of the temple !
Enroute to this temple is also the Sundaraja perumal temple which was closed when I went there

Thiruninravur Hrudayaleshwarar temple

Just a stones throw away from the Baktavatsala perumal temple is the equally popular and equally old 1500 yrs temple dedicated to Lord Shiva

Legend:
The story of this temple dates back to 7th century during Pallava reign. There was a Shiva devotee living in this place during 7th century called Poosalaar. who had a desire  to build a temple for Lord Shiva at this place unfortunately he could not find funds for the same. Poosalaar finally decided to build a temple for the Lord by himself, As he was well read and knew all the Aagama Vidhis and nuances to build a temple, he wanted to start building the temple.in his mind
He sat under a tree called Iluppai and started meditating. He planned each and every small detail to perfection for the construction of this  temple in his mind itself. He also marked an auspicious day to commence the holy work. The temple work progressed in his mind.  He built the temple step by step. He had designed evebything in his mind right from Vimana, Sanctum, Temple Pond, Compound walls etc., and executed each in detail as per what he had in mind.
After the temple construction work came to a finish. He even had organised all the utensils required for the temple. Finally, he also fixed an auspicious date for Kumbhabishekam (consecration) of the temple. He prayed to Lord Shiva to be present for the consecration and offer His blessings.
During the same period, a Pallava king called Rajasimha  was ruling this part, with his capital as Kaanchi (today’s Kanchipuram). He also was a sincere devotee of Lord Shiva and was building a huge beautiful temple for the Lord, at Kaanchi. He  named the God as Kailasanathar and the temple as Rajasimmeswaram. The king was too proud to see the grandeur of the temple constructed by him.
The king also marked a date for consecration, while the finishing touches were going on at the temple. Lord Shiva appeared in his dream and told him that He cannot make it to the consecration of the king’s temple on the said date and asked him to change the day of consecration, as He had to be present for consecration of another temple built by Poosalaar of Thiruninravur.
The king woke up shocked . He wanted to know about the temple which God informed him of. He immediately started with his queen, ministers  to see Poosalaar’s temple at Thiruninravur.
He came to Thiruninravur the next day and enquired with many people about a new Shiva temple built by Poosalaar. Nobody knew anything about the temple but directed the king to the place where Poosalaar was meditating under the Iluppai tree.
King went and asked Poosalaar himself about the temple. Poosalaar, on hearing the king explaining about his dream, was overwhelmed to realize the mercy shown to him by Lord Shiva. Poosalaar explained to the king that he had been constructing the temple in his heart (Manasu in Thamizh) and had fixed a date for consecration.
Poosalaar made the king to look at his heart and realize the temple which he constructed. King was able to see and realize the temple made by Poosalaar.
Knowing this Rajasimma was amazed to see the devotion and sincerity of Poosalaar. The king himself took all the specifications of the temple which Poosalaar had in mind and physically constructed a temple for the Lord here. This temple is also called Manakkoil.As Poosalaar originally built the temple for the Lord in his Hridayam, the Lord here is known as Hridhayaaleeswarar.

The main deity here is called Sri Hridhayaaleeswarar. The Goddess here is Sri Maragadhaambigai
The main sanctum has an east facing Sivalingam with entrance from the south side. There is an image of Poosalar worshipping the Sivalingam inside the main sannidhi.
The Maragadambigai sannidhi faces south and has a petite amman in standing posture. The sanctum has a gaja prushti vimanam with Lingothbhavar, Brahma Dakshinamurthy and Durga in various niches.The entire complex is tastefully covered allowing for natural sunlight to illuminate these gods without the harshness of scorching sun!!.

There are a lot of Murals painted on the roof of the mandabam on the east side




(Various figures on the right side of the main entrance)
There is also a statue of King Rajasimmam in the main complex.
ref:poosalar

Thiruninravur Bhaktavatsala perumal

This is the 55 th divyadesam of Vaishnava temples in India and is situated close to the Hrudayaleshwara siva temple in Thiruninravur.
How to reach:
Thiruninravur  is situated in Thiruvallur District and is about 35 kms Northwest of Chennai. On the road from Chennai to Thiruvallur,( the MTH road or chennai anantapur road) proceed west from padi  till you cross Pattabiram .When you reach Tiruninravur  you see the over bridge  across the railway rack take a right turn and climb on the bridge and proceed south as you get down on the other side look for the temple on the second left road the road takes you right to the back of the temple . You cam also reach it from Thirumazisai one has to take right turn after Kalki bhagwan ashram and sriram eng college and ask for the temple . From there Thiruninravur temple  is about 4 kms.
Thiruninravur can also be reached by Suburban trains from Chennai to Arakkonam, after Pattabiram.
Legend:
It is believed that Samudraraja (Lord Varuna), who is the father of Goddess Lakshmi worshipped Lord Vishnu here. It is also said that the Perumal here is always giving dharshan (ப்ரத்யக்ஷம்) to Lord Varuna. Thiruninravur is considered as the place of Goddess as she settled here first and then Lord came here to Her place. The rarity of this temple is that the Lord Sri Bhakthavatsala Perumal is staying permanently at his in-law’s place . As Goddess settled here first, the place itself had got its name after her. In Thamizh, ‘Thiru’ means Sri Lakshmi, ‘Ninra’ means stood, ‘Vur’ means place.
The Goddess of this temple is ‘Ennai Petra Thaayaar’  also called as Sri Sudhaa Valli.
According to legend, Thirumangai Aazhwaar had visited this temple and left to Thirukkadal Mallai - today’s Mahabalipuram without singing a single Paasuram on the Lord. After he left, Sri Bhakthavatsala Perumal gave Dharshan to him again at Thirukkadal Mallai. It is said that Thirumangai Aazhwaar had God’s dharshan from Mahabalipuram itself, after which he had sung 2 Paasurams on the Lord, admiring the beauty and similarities of the deities in Thirukkadal Mallai, Thiruninravur and Thirukkanna Mangai.
Later days, with the divine instruction of the Lord, a Pallava King had constructed this temple and arranged for Brahmotsavam
 

(view of the temple entrance and Raja gopuram)

(view of the Rajagopuram from inside)

View of the Main sanctum from outside
The main deity Sri Bhakthavatsala Perumal here gives dharshan in standing posture facing east. He has Sridevi and Bhoo devi as his consorts

The sudha valli thayar sanidhi is in the North west.
Other deities of the temple are  Sri Aandaal, Sri Chakkarathaazhwar and Sri Aadhiseshan. Paramapatha Vaasal is located on the Northern Praakaaram.

There is Sri Anjaneyar Shrine opposite the temple, facing west. The beautiful temple chariot is parked there adjacent to Sri Anjaneyar Shrine.

Wikipedia link to the temple

details of the temple in tamil snapped today 18/3/2012

Tiruvallur VeeraRaghava swamy Koil

Today I had the chance to go to Surutapalli and returned by Tiruvallur, Tiruninravur and could see few temples.Surutapalli temple I have already blogged. The next  temple I saw was the Veeraraghavaswamy koil at tiruvallur.
The temple is one among the 108 divya desams of vaishnavas and a part of Thondai Nadu divyadesams. Amavasya days are believed to be auspicious for visiting this temple.
How to reach:
I proceeded from Surutapalli towards Uthukottai and took the Chennai Anantapur Road (extension of MTH road) and in about 30 mins I was at the temple.It was about 17.5 kms from surutapalli. The temple is in the bazaar street of Tiruvallur and can easily be reached from the highway . There is One way system around the temple and there is ample parking in the Teppakulam.

( a view of the temple tank where parking is provided)
“Darsanat sparsanat snanat, Sadyo hrittapanasanah,
Ato sarveshu lokeshu, Namna Hrittapanasanah”
The tank is so holy that evens a sight or a touch or a bath would immediately dispel all anguish of heart. The local tradition attaches greater importance to this tank than to the Ganga, the Godavari
Today the Jeeyar of Ahobila mutt was camping there (this temple is under his control) hence there was a huge rush with VIP’s thronging and disrupting the queue but patience paid.
It is a truly remarkable temple very well maintained and the kurukkal said please come on Tuesdays when there will be no rush!
(main entrance from the gate)

(Main gopuram from the inside)
Legend: Thiru vul oor  the place where thiru stayed for a night. It seems saalihotra maharishi did penance here and out of his bhikshai was waiting for an athithi .Vishnu  came as an old man and had bhikshai and requested all th food which the rishi happily gave . He asked for a place to lie down Uraidarkuria Ull Evvull'? (where is the  place  to sleep) The rishi happily took care of him in his own hut later he realised his guest was none other than Maha Vishnu and was overjoyed. the Lord was so happy that he discoursed the Vedas to brahma here with an affectionate right hand resting on the Rishi. The main sanidhi has the lord in sleeping posture with Right hand resting on the Rishi with the left hand in the Gnana mudra with Brahma in attendance.The deity of Veera-raghava is lying on Adi Sesa, with Lord Brahma coming out from his navel.

Legend also has it that Vishnu  vanquished the demons Madhukaidapas, and protected devotees here. The Vijayakoti vimaanam is named after this victory over demons.
It is believed that bathing in the temple tank, and worshipping Veeraraghavaperumaal with symbolic offerings of salt and pepper here, is a cure to many a physical ailment, and hence the deity is also known as Vaidya Veeraraghava Perumal. It is also believed that barren couples beget progeny upon worshipping here.
The Lord’s abhishekam is performed only with sandalwood oil.
This temple is under the administration of the Ahobila Mutt. It is an east facing temple with a 5 tiered rajagopuram

(view of the main sanctum complex from the gate)
In the north west is the Kanakavalli thayar sannidhi.
. There are also shrines to
Nammalwar
Vedanta Desikar
Andal
Ramanujacharyar
Lakshmi Narasimha
. There are inscriptions dating back to the 2nd half of the 9th century Pallava period here.
The temple is open from 6.30 am to 12 noon in the mornings and from 4 pm to 8 pm in the evenings.

The priest Sri. PVS Bhattar can be contacted at 27660378(STD Code-044)
Mangalasasanam:

• Thiru Mangai Alwar - 11 Paasurams.
  
• Thirumazhisai Alwar - 1 Paasuram.
  Total - 12 Paasurams.

wiki link to the temple

(inside the approach to the temple)

Main gate to the temple

(View of the chariot mandapam just inside the rajagopuram)