Temples in and Around Trichy

Temples in and around TrichyNote: A collection of geographical maps of temple is available here. Unlike the static map, these maps can be zoomed to the street level. This works best with the Firefox browser. Within Trichy Rockfort Temple Significance: One of the 275 sacred Shiva temples glorified by the Thevara hymns Location: Near the Chattram bus stand (also called Main Guard Gate); visible from around 10 kms all around. Temple: The Rockfort temple, known as Dakshina kailasam, is situated on the banks of the river Cauvery with a height of 273 feet and 417 steps to climb. The name of the place came from Thirisiran, a King who ruled this place. At the foot of the Rockfort is the beautiful temple tank (Theppakkulam) with a pavilion which is used during the float festival of the temples. From the hilltop, the view of the town with cauvery and Kollidam rivers, the road and rail bridges across the rivers and the temple towers of Srirangam and Thiruvanaikaval, is breathtaking. During the 23rd, 24th and 25th of Panguni tamil month, the sun rays fall on the God in the evening. Theertham: Cauveri, Shiva gangai and Brahma theertham. Sthala Vruksham: Vilvam. The temple complex is a conglomeration of three temples. 1) Manikka Vinayagar temple ± This temple is at the foot of the hill 2) Thayumanavar Temple ± This temple is at half way to the hill top. Legend: * The top of the Kailasam was disturbed by Vayu (air) and thrown in three places and this is considered one among them and that is why this is called Dakshina kailasam. The other two places are Kalahasthi and Tirikonamalai (Srilanka). * Lord Shiva took care of a pregnant girl called Rathnavathi during the delivery time in the form of the girl¶s mother and so He is known as Thayumanavar. * Agasthya, Arjuna, Hanuman, Rathnavathi, Rama, Saptha Kanniar, Saptha Rishi and Sarama muni had worshipped Shiva of this place. * Sarama muni worshipped Shiva with chevandi flowers brought from Naga lokha and hence the Lord is called as Chevandhi nadhar also. He is also called Mathruboodheswarar. Temple: Before entering the Shiva temple, there is a big hall with 100 pillars, full of beautiful paintings and carvings. We can see a chain hanging in the roof made of single stone. The roof of the hall is also fully painted. One of the 64 Shiva moorthams known as Gangala moortham is seen here. Below the Siva temple are two Pallava cave temples that have beautiful sculptures of the 6th and 7th centuries. Navukkuarasar and Sambandhar had sung hymns on Shiva of this place. The vimanam is covered with gold. The Goddess is known as Mattuvar Kuzhali or Sugandha Kundalambikai and has a separate shrine. 3) Ucchi pilliayar (Vinayagar) Temple ± At the hilltop Legend: Veebishana was taking the idol of Lord Ranganadhar to Srilanka to install there. He was not to keep the idol down; if so, he would not be able to lift it up again. On his way he gave the idol to Lord Ganesha to hold it for some time to finish his evening rituals. Ganesha agreed but after a while he placed the idol down and went to the hill top. When Veebishana returned he saw the idol down and was not able to lift it up. He returned back to his place empty handed and in turn, Ranganadhar agreed to face South towards the direction of Srilanka. Nandhi Koil street Nandhi Koil Street is near Theppakulam/ Rockfort Sri Naganadhaswamy temple Main Deity: Swayambu linga known as Naganadhaswamy with Anandhavalli ambikai in different sanctums. Legend: Some sages, due to ego, thought they can live on their own without the blessings of God. To awaken them Shiva fought with them and they diverted snakes against Shiva. In turn, Shiva wore the snakes as ornaments and hence the name Naganadhar. Saramamuni worshipped Shiva of this place with sevandhi flowers and hence the name Sevandhi nadhar. Temple: The temple is below the ground level. Shiva is facing East and Goddess is facing South. Navagraha shrine is different here as we can see only Sun God with wives and the rest singly.The other deities we can see are Ganesha, Subramanya swamy, Dandayudhapani, Somaskandhar and Bairavar. Sthala Vruksham: Vilvam. Theertham: Shiva theertham. Krishna temple It is a small temple for Krishna with a separate sanctum for Anjaneya. Nandhi This huge Nandhi belongs to the Rockfort Thayumanavar temple. Once upon a time the whole place was belonging to the temple. Now houses have come up in between and Nandhi is separated from the main temple. Nandrudayan temple at East Boulevard road The Nandrudayan temple in Devadhanam in the East Boulevard Road boasts Aadhi Vinayaga as granite idol depicting Lord Ganesa with his original divine face without the usual elephantine head and the trunk. The four- feet tall Aadhi Vinayakar is installed in a separate shrine close to the sanctum sanctorum in the Nandrudayan Vinayakar Temple and the divine grace of the brilliantly sculptured granite idol is indeed captivating. Shiva temples for 5 elements of nature Velikanda Nathar at Palakarai, Boologanathar at East Boulevard road, Naganathar at nandhi Koil Street, another temple (name not known) at West Boulevard road, Kailasanathar at Big bazaar street are the Shiva temples for 5 elements of nature (Land, Water, Fire, Air, and Space) inside Trichy. Ayyappan temple Location: Near Trichy junction/ court. Significance: This Ayyappan temple is very cleanly maintained with full of green plants and good pathway all around. Also there are many stone slabs erected with inscribed quotes on mother by great persons. Another special thing is that there are many small stones collected from holy rivers and holy places all over the world placed on many small platforms along with the respective names of the rivers and places. Everyday pooja is being conducted to these stones as well. It is said that having dharshan of this collection of holy stones in one place will definitely remove hurdles in one¶s life and make them prosper. Apart from the main deity Ayyappan, the other deities in the premises are Kannimoola Ganapathy, Sakthi ± Vinayahar, Bagavathi amman and Navagraha. There is a letter box to God and the letters to the divine will be presented before Ayyappan on uthra star day of every month with prayers. Sundara Anjaneyar temple at Kallukuzhi Location: Near Trichy Junction Importance: This is a very popular temple and Anjaneyar is carved out on a small stone which was to the road side initially. When they wanted to lay railway line, the stone was interrupting so they decided to place it in another place nearby. After the railway line was laid and started functioning there were lots of train accidents in the same place from where they removed Anjaneya. So they decided to divert the railway line to side and restored Anjaneya to His original place and constructed this temple. Sri Akilandeswari sametha Sri Jalakandeswarar temple at Thiruvanaikaval Location: 3 kms from Trichy towards Srirangam in between Kollidam and Cauvery rivers; connected by town buses every 2-3 minutes. Significance: * One of sacred 275 temples glorified by the Thevara hymns * One of the Pancha bootha sthalams representing Water * One of the most revered temples to Shiva * Sakthi peetam * A magnificent temple occupying a whopping 18 acre area. Main Deity: Swayambu linga known as Jambukeswarar facing West and Amman Akilandeswari facing East. Legend: * There are two praharams for Amman shrine * There are 9 theerthams in the temple and there is a window grill with 9 holes in front of the main deity Shiva. elephant saw the web and since it was from the saliva of the spider. kollidam and Surya. Chandra.* Two sivakanams Pushpathanthan and Maliavaan were born under the influence of a curse as an elephant and a spider. Since Pushpathanthan. ³water´ is represented by an undying natural spring down the Shiva lingam in the sanctum. There had been a forest of Jambu (naaval) trees near the Chandratheertha tank (filled with the water of the Cauvery) here and Shiva is said to have appeared under one of the trees as a Swayambu lingam. it removed the web to protect the sanctity of the linga. The spider spun a web around the linga in order to shield it from the tree wastes and keep it clean. did the Shiva worship got his curse cleared and returned back as Sivakanam but the Spider¶s wish of building a temple around the linga was not fulfilled and it was born as King Kochengan. Ranganadhar come and stay here one day in an year and return with special alankaram. Rama.. It is said that while constructing the temple walls. Ramar. * Worshipped by Brahma. Kochenkan built 70 Maadakkovils and all the temples will be at an elevated height or at a depth. Shiva came as a Siddhar and gave away holy ash as the wages for the workers which turned into gold proportionate to their wages. * There are many sub temples in various praharams within the temple Theertham: There are totally 9 Theerthams ± Cauvery. * Ambal worshipped Shiva here and so even now Archakas worship Shiva wearing saree during the noon pooja. Thigbalahar. Agsthya. The next day. seen even today and hence the name Jalakandeeswarar. * It is said that Ranganadhar stayed at Srirangam only to worship Jambugeswarar of this temple. Arunagirinadhar sang Thiruppugazh on Subramanya of this place. Sage Sambu. * Cow worship and annabhishehams are taking place daily * The earring of goddess is known as Thadangam. One day. This practice of the spider spinning a web and the elephant removing it continued for several days. Accordingly. 35 feet high and 6 feet thick. Vishnu. born as elephant. This particular 4th prahara wall is called µThiruneetru Madhil¶ and it is a whopping 8000 feet long (2436 x 1493 feet). One is Shiva Chakra and the other is Srichakra. Agni. Brahma. The east facing Rajagopuram is 13 tiered and the west facing rajagopuram is 7 tiered. the spider found out that it was the elephant that was removing its web. Parasaran etc. Indra. he built it in such a way that elephants can not enter the temple. * Sambandhar. Sankaracharya controlled her anger and contained it in the earrings as Chakras. The ground level goes down and down at every praharam so that an elephant with all its weight can not enter the temple. We have to worship the Lord only through these 9 holes which is considered equivalent to a dip in all the 9 theerthams. The elephant hit its trunk on the floor and in the process both died. So when he built the temple. * One of the five elements of nature. The elephant worshipped this linga daily with flowers and water brought in its trunk (hence the name Thiru Aanaikka). Temple: * This is first of the 70 Maadakkovils built by Kochenkan Cholan * There are five stages of huge prahara walls and seven gopurams in an area of 18 acres. went inside the trunk of the elephant and bit it. Navukkaarasar and Sundarar sang hymns on Shiva of this place. . Sthala Vruksham: Jambu (white naaval) tree. Cauvery and Kollidam. Vibhishana was sad but the Lord appeared before him and consoled him saying that He had already made a decision to stay at this place and will be lying facing Lanka and bless him. the largest gopuram in the first wall on the southern side is 13 tiered. he could not. the largest temple complex in India . It is said that even today. Sthala Vruksham: Punnai Vimanam: Pranavaakriti Significances: * One of 108 Divya Desams and the first of them * The place is considered as Booloha Vaikuntam * Most revered shrine of Lord Vishnu in South India. The . he gave it to the small boy Ganesha with the instruction not to keep it down (if so.the outer most wall has a perimeter of over 3 kms . Utsavar: Namperumal.156 acres in extent . Theertham: Chandra Pushkarani. Temple: The town and the temple are set on a 250-hectare island between Cauvery and Kollidam rivers connected to the mainland by a bridge. . measuring 73 m and was completed as recently as 1987.The official website of the temple is here Sri Ranganadhar Temple at Srirangam Location: Around 5 kms from Trichy main guard gate bus stand.has 21 gopurams. very promptly.48 sanctums to various Gods. He chased Ganesha who ran to the top of the hill (Uchipiilaiyar temple at Rockfort). * The physical body of Ramanuja who lived for nearly 120 years is still being preserved in a sitting posture in a shrine dedicated to him Legend: This has the same legend history as the Uchi Pillaiyar temple of the Rockfort as below: Vibhishana was taking the Ranganadhar idol to Srilanka and when he got down on the Cauvery banks to perform his mid-day prayers. connected by town buses every 2-3 minutes Main Deity: Ranganadha Perumal in lying posture with Sriranga Nachiar.the total length of all the seven walls is around 9 kms . it could not be taken back). * All the Azhwars except the Madhurakavi Azhwar had sung on this Ranganadhar. Vibhishana worships the Lord at midnight. This 13th century temple is very well preserved with excellent carvings. When Vibhishana came back and tried to take it back. in the vaishnav parlance.enclosed by seven huge concentric prahara walls . But Ganesha. the term ³Koyil´ signifies this temple only * Possibly. Ranganadhar idol is 15 feet long in a reclining posture on Adhisesha. kept the idol down. * Andal nachiar had sung on Ranganadhar only * Festivals take place all through the year. the author of Amalanadipiran (the celebrated paasuram describing the glory of the image of Ranganadhar. at Srirangam). She protected the people from further anger of Shiva and thereafter stayed there taking care of the people who come to Her. The whole village got covered with mud (sand storm) due to the anger of Shiva. Srirangam is listed as one of the Nava Graha Sthalas. Woriyur was the ancient capital of the early Cholas and the ancient city is believed to have been destroyed by a sand storm. The official website of the temple is here Azagiya Singar temple at Srirangam Location: Near Srirangam railway station Main Deity: Lakshmi Narashima Swamy in santha swaroopam Woriyur Woriyur is within Trichy located centrally between Main guard gate bus stand and the main bus stand. There¶s also a small museum containing sculptures. Vekkaliamman. He took the child. Vekkaliamman Temple Main Deity: Vekkaliamman Significance: A very popular and powerful amman temple Legend: Once a Queen wanted flowers from the garden of Thayumanavar temple and the King arranged for it. 2nd Divya desam after Srirangam * Kamalavalli Thayar in bridal form. Thirukkozhi Kamalavalli Nachiyar Temple ± Divya Desam Location: Thirukkozhi/ Nachiar Koil. temples representing the planets. the protector Goddess of that place was worried and prayed to Shiva to calm down. * Birth place of Thiruppanazhwar. the place here (within Woriyur) is called Nachiar Koil based on this temple Significances: * One of 108 Divya desams. Shiva got angry just saw towards the direction of Woriyur. Pugazh Chola Nayanar and Gochenkan Cholan were born here. Many times they attempted to roof it but they could not succeed. as was Tiruppaanaazhwar. named . Main Deity: The presiding deity here is Kamalavalli Nachiar in sitting posture with her consort Azagiya Manavala perumal standing behind her facing north Legends: 1) King Nanda cholan found a female child floating on a lotus flower. It is well connected by Town buses and there are buses every 3-4 minutes. Ramanujar stayed here and spread the Vaishnav philosophy.roof of the sanctum is covered with gold plating. There is no roof for the sanctum sanctorum. He also completely overhauled the administrative system and saw to it that great care was exercised in the administration of temple affairs. about 2 kms from both. The kshetram is known as Swayam vyaktha kshetram (appeared on its own). dressed as the bride. the wife and son of Sage Kasipari namely Kathru and Karkotakan worshipped here. The King was delighted on Lord Ranganadhar going to become his son-in-law and arranged for the marriage. There is no Utsava vigraha in this temple and the Utsava vigraha of Srirangam Ranganadha temple is being brought here during the Kalyana Utsavam. The inner walls of the shrine of Nammazhvar has brilliant wall paintings of more than 200 years old. under which. King was surprised and asked his men to dig and see near the tree. Gold Lingam in the afternoon. Thiru Mukkichuram Thevara Temple Significance: One of the 275 sacred Shiva temples glorified by the Thevara hymns Main Deity: Pancha Varneswarar and Kanthimathi ammai Legends: * Shiva is said to have manifested himself in five different shades of color to Utanga Munivar (Ratna Lingam in the morning. Diamond Lingam at night and Chitra Lingam later at midnight) and so He is known as Pancha Varneswarar. who in turn handed it along with the five Shivalingams worshipped by the siblings. the name Thirukkozhi (Mookkeeswaram) stems from this legend. Once. Soon after this the cock disappeared near a vilva tree. Nagarajan handed over a half of the Shivalingam to his daughter. one encounters a large mandapam with pillars ornamented with exquisite sculptures. Acharyas. believed to have warded off an elephant with it¶s beak. They found a Shiva linga and the king constructed this temple in the same place. * Kochenkan Cholan the builder of 78 Maadakkovils is said to have born here. all of these merged into one under a Vilva tree. here at Woraiyur. * Brahma also had the same dharshan of Shiva. King was unable to control and he cried loud for help from Shiva. He married the youngest of these princesses and requested his father in law for the Shivalingam that was held in worship by Nagarajan. appeared in the dream of the King and asked his daughter to be married to Him. The linga is known as Panchalingeswarar. * Garuda. Vaishnavite mythology. the Chola King Veera vathithan went on his horse in search of a good place for constructing a Shiva temple. Thiruppanazwar is present here in a separate sanctum. Upon entering the temple. the King built this temple at Woriyur facing North towards Srirangam. Temple: The temple was in existence even before 7th century. this temple originated.her Kamalavalli ± the one that came out of lotus. vanished as she entered the sanctum of Lord Ranganadhar. repainted 60 years back. Lord Ranganadhar. Sthala Vruksham: Vilvam Theertham: Shiva theertham or Panchavarna Theertham Sung by: Sambandhar . Spatika Lingam at noon. Alwars. depicting the Matsa and Narashimha avatars. * Woraiyur is also known as Kozhimanagaram as legend holds that a fowl blessed with divine powers defeated an elephant in a duel. hit the elephant and took control of it. and took care of her. the law of justice and dharma as enunciated by ambarisha etc Theertham: Kalyana theertham and Surya theertham. To commemorate the marriage. wanting to marry the princess. on the banks of the Nagatheertham. Kamalavalli Thayar. 2) A valiant rooster. * A Chola king by name Soora Vathitha saw the five daughters of Nagarajan worshipping a Shivalingam each. All of a sudden the elephant started behaving weird and every one was frightened. At this time a cock flew down. Subramanya swamy is worshipping his parents in this place. In the 18th century. Naradhar. will not have the fear of death. Sambandhar and Sundarar sang Thevara hymns on Shiva of this place. He sang 18 Thiruppugazh verses on this Murugan. Vinayaka of this place. Arunagirinadhar came here and acquired Gyana. Sage Upamanyu. Significance: Murugar blessed Arunagirinadhar at Thiruvannamalai and asked him to come to Vayalur. The temple has the significance that the kings of all the three regions ± Chera. It is said that when we sit and pray here on our problems for half hour/ 45 minutes. was built by Nandhivarma Pallavan 1200 years ago on a 50 feet high hillock with about 100 steps to climb. resembling a small fort. With the blessings of Subramanya. Navakkuarasar. When he came here. Arunagiri nadhar sang Thiruppugazh.The Temple: The Shivalingam here is very small in size. Thirupugazh was started by Arunagiri nadhar in this place and the first line ³muthai thiru´ was hinted by Subramanaya swamy which was to be continued by Arunagirinadhar. we will get a clear solution and are bound to come back to the place. this was the fort and place of residence for British. the army chief of Ravana had worshipped here Temple: The temple. It¶s a belief that one who worships Shiva here. The main deity is facing West and there are two shrines for the Goddesses here. 8 kms from Trichy. There are three entrances ± two facing South and the other facing East. French and Mysore army. Main Deity: Adhinadhar as Swayambu lingam with Adhinayaki amman. Thaanthondreeswarar temple Location: Woriyur Main Deity: Thaanthondrieswarar and Kumkumavalli amman Trichy ± Woriyur ± Kumara Vayalur Uyyakondan Thirumalai (Thiru karkudi) Thevara Temple Location: 3 kms from Trichy Significance: One of the 275 sacred Shiva temples glorified by the Thevara hymns beautifully located on a hillock Main Deity: Ujjeevana nadhar with Anjanakshi ammai and Balambikai Legend: Markandeya had the life of only 16 years and so he worshipped Shiva at various places. Chola and Pandya ± worshipped here. The temple is replete with sculptural work depicting legends associated with the temple. Karan. known as poia vinayakar blessed Arunagirinadhar. he was completing his 16th year and so Yama came to end his life. For instance there are wondrous pieces of sculpture on some of the temple pillars that appear as four women from one angle and as a horse from another angle. Goddess requested Shiva to bless Markandeya as µChiranjeevi¶ and Shiva did so. Sthala vruksham: Vilvam Theertham: Kudamuruti and Gyanavavi Murugan temple at Kumara Vayalur Location: 5 kms from Uyyakondan malai. . temple tank and the temple car are all some of the interesting items to the visitor. Balasubramaniar is present with single face and four hands along with Devayani in standing posture. Hence He is known as Erumbeeswarar and the name of the place is Thiru Erumbur.The official website of the temple is here Agastheeswarar Temple at Perungudi Location: In the Trichy-Kumara Vayalur route. Parvathi was frightened and hid herself in a garden of Thazhai plants at a place called Olimadhi cholai. Indra and all devas took the form of ant (Erumbu in Tamil) to hide from demons and worshipped Shiva in this place. Temple: This early chola temple is on a small hillock of 120 feet high with 115 steps to reach the top. Dakshinamoorthy and Balavinayakar. We can see the marks of ants creeping on the lingam. Nithya Sundareswara swami Temple at Thirunedungalam Location: In the Trichy-Tanjore route. Main Deity: Erumbeeswrar/ Madhuvaneswarar with Soundranayaki/ Narun kuzhal nayagi amman. The linga is covered with mud and there is no abhishekam here. Sage Agasthiar worshipped here Temple: There are two vimanams for the main deity here. All the idols have been discovered from various places inside the temple. Later Shiva took Parvathi to Kailash. 5 kms north of Thuvakkudi junction near Thiruverumbur. The Shiva lingam is slanting to one side as though He is giving ear to the worship of bakthas. a protected monument under the control of the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) Location: 11 kms from Trichy and is known as Brahma puram. Navukkuarasar sang hymns on Shiva of this place. Trichy ± Tanjore Erumbeeswarar temple at Thiruverumbur Significance: One of 275 sacred Shiva temples glorified by the Thevara hymns. Significance: One of the 275 sacred Shiva temples glorified by the Thevara hymns Main Deity: Nedungalanadhar/ Anithya Sunderaswarar as Swayambu lingam with Mangala nayaki/ Oppila nayaki. Theertham: Brahma theertham and Paduma theertham. Kumara puram and Lakshimi puram. This temple is of great antiquity and is . The surface of the linga is coarse so as it is easy for the ants to move around. Surya is seen with his wife here. Legend: Brahma. The sculptures. Sthalavruksham: Vilvam. 2 km from Somarasampettai Temple: This is connected with Kumara Vayalur Murugan temple and is a monument of Sundara Chola and Adithya II periods. well maintained gardens by BHEL. The other deities are Sankara Narayanar. a dilapidated mandapam. Soundarya nayaki amman is in a separate sanctum outside the main one. Legend: Paraskathi meditated in this place and Shiva came in the form of a thief. The temple is on the northern bank of Kollidam and when Sambandhar sang hymns on Shiva from the southern bank. is situated on the banks of river Coleroon (also known as north cauvery). It dates back to the 11th century (1065 A. Brahma and Sage Vageesar worshipped Shiva of this place. Murugar. Significance: One of 275 sacred Shiva temples glorified by the Thevara hymns Main Deity: Sathyavageeswarar and Soundranayaki amman in different sanctums.included in the kshertavenba of the tamil saint. Brihu. 12 km from Trichy. Gauthamar.D) and is a treasure house of historic information. Legend: Vinayakar of this place is known as Sevisaiytha Vinayakar. Vasishtar. the Ayyadigal kadavarkon. who should be ascribed to the days before Appar and Sambandar. on the northern banks of Coleroon (Kollidam). Anbil is just name of the place but temple is known as Alandhurai. Sundarar and Navukkuarasar sang hymns on Shiva of this place. Main deity: Saptharisheeswarar as Swayambu lingam facing West with Perunthirattiar Legend: * Lord Vishnu got his Chakrayudha after worshipped Shiva here * Worshipped by Vishnu. Sthala Vruksham: Vilvam Theertham: Agasthya theertham. Sambandhar. Saptharisheeswarar Temple at Lalgudi (Thiruthavathurai) Significance: The seven rishis ± Atri. Trichy ± Lalgudi Thiruthavathuri. Kailasamundaiyar Temple at Cholamadevi This dilapidated temple is located amidst lush green paddy fields and sylvan surrounding on the northern banks of the Uyyakondan channel in a sleepy hamlet called Cholamadevi near Thiruverumbur. Lakshmi. Pulsithar. As per Sekkizhar¶s Periya puranam. Sambandhar had sung Thevaram on this Shiva but the Thevara verses have not been found so far Theertham: Sivagangai. He was giving his ear to the music. Sundara theertham. A rare Yoga Dakshinamoorthy is present here. Chakra theertham Sthala Vruksham: Peeple Sathyavageeswarar temple at Anbil Alanthurai ± Thevara temple Location: 8 kms from Lalgudi. about 20 kms form Trichy. Sun rays fall on the God throughout the tamil month of Adi. Varahi is worshipped especially by the devotees of coimbatore region with specific vows. Angeerasar and Marichi ± prayed to the presiding deity Saptharisheeswarar to ward off the bad period they were passing through due to the curse by Lord Murugar. . Bairavi and Sage Parasar * Malava king got his leprosy disease cured here Temple: Parantaka kings have done a lot of work on this temple. Arunagiri Nadhar sang Thirupugazh on Murugar. now called Lalgudi. Temple: Other deities in the temple are Bitchandar. Saptha kanniar. the distraught King sought a way out and fed the elderly guest with the appams. Uparisaravasar (Upamanyu Muni). Kollidam Paasuram: Periyazhvar. by mistake. Here Perumal is in lying posture and the two Ubayanachimargal are holding his feet in such a way that we cannot have the dharshan of his holy feet. did not realise the presence of Durvasa muni and was cursed to take the form of a toad. Repenting for his act. Sthala Vruksham: Banyan tree. Thiru Vadivazhagiya Nambi Temple at Thiru Anbil ± Divya desam Location: 8 kms from Lalgudi. Kasi Viswanathar. while hunting a rogue elephant killed a Brahmin performing tapas. Theertham: Mandooka pushkarani and Kollidam. finally reaching this place. offered food together with appam and payasam to the Brahmins who came to his house. Theertham: Chandra theertham. the king built a temple for Lord Vishnu and each day after worship. Visalakshi. There upon. Sambandhar and Navakkuarasar sang hymns on Shiva of this place. Brahma and Valmiki worshipped Lord Vishnu here. His supply of cooked rice exhausted for the day. he was advised to come to this place and worship. At that time. Markandeya rishi was directed by Shiva to this place to seek . you have to cross Kallanai (Lower anaicut) to reach Thiru Anbil. Ashta Buja Durgai at Anbil This temple for Astabuja Durgai known as Mariamman is in Anbil. Temple: The temple complex covers an area of about one acre and has a Rajagopuram. One day. Subramanyar with Valli and Devayana. 10 km from Lalgudi. Lord Shiva appeared in his dream and asked him to worship Lord Vishnu at this place to get rid of his Brahmaharthi dhosham. Nammazhvar Vimaanam: Indhra Vimanam Legends: A Pandya King. he renounced his throne and wandered around. Appakkudathaan temple at Thirupper Nagar ± Divya desam Location: Koyiladi near Lalgudi. Significance: One of 108 Divya Desams Main Deity: Thiru Vadivazhagiya Nambi in lying posture with Thayar Azagiyavalli Nachiar in separate sanctums Legend: Manduka muni was meditating under the water. Tirumangai Azhwar. Bairavar. Tirumazhisai Azhwar. 23 km from Thiruvaiyaru Significance: One of the 108 Divya desams Main deity: Appakkudattaan/ Appala Ranganathar with Thaayaar Indhra Devi and Kamala Devi Theertham: Indhra Theertham. There are inscriptions that the Chola chief used to worship at this temple by placing his sword in front at the sanctum prior to his venturing out in battles. built by the Chola kings. One day Vishnu appeared in the form of an aged guest and pleaded with the King to feed him. When Manduka muni realised his mistake and asked Durvasa for relief. while going from Trichy. Anbil and Tirupparkadal ± in a paasuram. Markandeya bowed to him 100 times and Lord Vishnu regaining His original form. At that time Shiva blessed him and milk started pouring which is the reason for the name Palaithurai. Ambravaneswara Temple at Thirumandhurai ± Thevara temple Location: 5 kms from Lalgudi Significance: One of 275 sacred Shiva temples glorified by the Thevara hymns Main Deity: Ambravaneswarar/ Mrugandeeswarar as Swayambu lingam facing East with Azhagammai/ Balambikai facing South Legend: Surya. Markandeya came here and saw the old Brahmin lying on the couch holding an appa kudam in one hand. Arunagiri nadhar sang Thirupugazh on Murugar here. Tiruvegkaa. Indhra and Mrugandu muni worshipped Shiva of this place. Once Markendeya did not have milk to worship God and was worried. Tiruvallur. It is believed that Nammazhwar recited the last of his paasurams here before departing the mortal world. There are also shrines for Ganesha. Other shrines are Vinayahar. Markendeyar. Inscriptions from the Pallava. Thamarai and Neelorpavam. Appam is prepared as a daily offering to the deity here. Kumbakonam and Mayiladuthurai along the course of river Cauvery. Chandra. Nammazhwar. Vishnu. With 2 prakarams. Bairavar. Mahalakshmi. Ramanujar. lifted his hand from the appa kudam and blessed Markandeya with longevity. The temple: This is one of the Pancha Ranga Kshetrams along with Srirangapatnam in Karnataka. Tirumazhisai Alwar refers to seven shrines featuring Vishnu in a reclining position ± Tirukkudandai. Sun God also worshipped Shiva here. blessing Upamanya Muni. Temple: Nithya Kalyani Ammai is seen with four hands ± Abaya. holding a pot containing appams and hence the name Appakkudattaan. Sthala Vruksham: Mango tree Theertham: Gayatri river Thirumoolanadhar Thevara temple at Thirupalaithurai (Panayapuram) Location: Located at 12 kms North East of Trichy en route Lalgudi between the rivers of Kollidam Significance: One of 275 sacred Shiva temples glorified by the Thevara hymns Main Deity: Thirumoolanadhar as Swayambu lingam facing East with Nithya kalyani ammai facing South Legend: Nithya kalyani ammai. In the West facing sanctum. Venugopalan. Six worship services are offered each day. Temple: Other deities present are Brahma. Varatha. Lakshmi Narayanar and Venugopalan. He also blessed the King and absolved of his curse. Sambandhar sang hymns on Shiva of this place. Tiruvarangam.refuge in Lord Vishnu for longevity of life. Sambandhar sang hymns on Shiva in this place. Srirangam. and Durgai as Koshta Gods. Tiruppernagar. it covers an area of about 2. Murugan.5 acres and has a Rajagopuram of great workmanship. we see Vishnu in a reclining posture. Subramanya Swamy with family and Dandaudhapani in separate small sanctums. There is a separate shrine for Kamalavalli Thaayar in an east facing sanctum. Chola and Vijayanagara periods are seen here. This temple is on a hillock by name Indragiri. and Surya worshipped Siva in this place. Veena . Temple: Dakashina moorthy is here with abhaya mudra. This ancient temple dates back to the period of Rajaraja. one of the ten avatars of Mahavishnu. There was no river here so he wanted to do it in . * Sapdha rishis worshipped Shiva here and got the knowledge and so Shiva is also called Gnanapureeswarar. Ardhanareeswarar. the dosha he got because of killing his mother. It is also known as Manmadha puram. So the place is called Poovalur. Thirumoola nadhar Shiva temple at Poovalur Location: 20 kms from Trichy. Nalvar. Sthala Vruksham: Jack fruit tree. * Ravikuruva rishi was a little sad since there was no river near by and Shiva made a river to flow here which is called as Gaya palguni. the village is 4 kms. one of the 63 Nayanmars. The place is considered in equal sacredness to Kasi and Gaya. Theertham: Kollidam. Shiva was very pleased with the music and gave mukthi to him at the same place. As a unique thing. From the main road. Main Deity: Samavedeeswarar and Sri Lokhanayaki amman Significance: More than 2000 years old. The place is also known as Parasurama Kshetram. we can see Valli on peacock with Subramanya and Devayanai standing beside her. Legend: * Parasuramar. We see Anaya nayanar in separate sanctum. Manmadhan threw flower arrow on Lord Shiva in this place. * Goddess Lakshmi (Thirumagal) worshipped Shiva here and so this place got the name Thirumangalam * Chandikeswarar worshiped Shiva here to get rid of Pithruhathi dosha and attained moksha. Samavedeeswarar temple at Thiru mangalam Location: Thirumangalam is 2 kms north of Lalgudi and can be reached by turning left at the 15th km from Trichy en route Ariyalur.Dakshinamoorthy. Arumuga peruman is seen with six faces and four hands as a Chatru samhara moorthy. Durga here is Vishnu Durgai on Simha vahana. Durga. One Linga moortham that gave mukthi to nayanar is said to be growing. Kailasanadhar Sthalavruksham: Vilvam. Anaya nayanar was good at flute and once when he was reciting flute and meditating. Theertham: Parasurama theertham. worshipped Shiva in this place to get rid of his Mathruhathi dosha. * Muni wanted to do ceremony for his ancestors. This is the birth as well as the mukthi place of Anaya nayanar. Subramanya swamy is known as Kalyana Subramanyar. 3 kms north of Lalgudi in the Trichy-Ariyalur road Main Deity: Swayambu linga known as Thirumoola nadhar/ Gnanapureeswarar with Kumkuma sundari Legend: * Rathi devi got back Manmadhan by worshipping Shiva here. Hanuman and Nandagopar idols. Chandikeeswarar. Gajendra Theertham and Sakkara Theertham Sri Rajakesari Vinnagara Emperuman Temple at Kottamangalam This temple is about a 1. There is a sub-shrine for Vinayakar. Rajaraja Chola constructed the temple as per inscriptions. Lakshmana. Dakshina moorthy. Seetha. Sthala Vruksham: Vilvam. * Brahma. Bairavar. Indran. So this place is considered in equal sacredness to Gaya. Theertham: Nandhi river. Sthala Vruksham: Vilvam without thorns Theertham: Panguni river Sundareswarar temple at Thinniyam Location: 12 kms from Pullampadi. 5 kms west of Poovalur. which is 3 kms from Lalgudi.5 km Kattur. . Thirumal & Brahma. Apradeeswarar temple at Nagar Location: Near Lalgudi. In this village.Gaya. Agnidevan and Chandrasudan worshipped this God Temple: The main temple measures 130 feet width and 170 feet length facing east and there are four prakara. an Ayyanar temple. One hand of perumal is on the head of the elephant. Manamathan. The sanctum sanctorum was constructed by Rajaraja I (993 AD) and Klothunga Chola III also contributed in 1216 AD with the construction of praharam etc. It is said that this is the place were Gajendra attained moksha. Main Deity: Aadhi moola Perumal in lying posture and Aadhi lakshmi Thayar in different sanctums. relating to the Gajendra moksha. Then kailasa nadhar. Theertham: Panguni river Sri Aadhi Lakshmi Temple at Natham (Nandam) Location: 12 kms from Lalgudi via Pinnavasal. a Pidari temple and a ruined Vishnu temple are also there. It can also be reached via Pullampadi. Temple: The temple is known as Pancha linga kshetram. Temple: We see an elephant named Gajendran near Perumal and the leg of the elephant is in the mouth of a crocodile. Rama. He worshipped Shiva and He made Ganges to flow here by throwing His silambu. Durgai. The other deities we see here are Sridevi. Uvanar. Alangudi Mahajanam. Main Deity: Sundareswarar and Periya nayaki ammai. a ruined Shiva temple called Brahmesvara Udaiya Nayanar. Main Deity: Swayambu linga known as Apradeeswarar with Athula Sundariamman/ Oppila maniammai in different sanctums. Nardhana Vinayakar. Suryan. Subramanyar is seen with 12 hands sitting on his peacock. RR-Venkatachalapuram (7 kms). The temple architect is Thillai Nayakan. This temple was sung by Saint Arunagirinathar. The other deities are Vadakailasa nadhar. Boodevi. Legends: * Lord Shiva got the Brahmaharthi dhosham because of plucking Lord Brahma¶s head and he was begging for food with Brahma¶s skull as the vessel but whatever was put in the vessel. As explained in Sivapuranam.Significance: Subramanaya swamy. Deva Guru. * All the seven gurus ± Brahma Guru. Lord Vinshnu as Purushothama perumal in sayana posture and Goddess Pooranavalli Thayar facing east. seen in a separate temple only in Koothanur. 2-3 kms from Srirangam. Shiva took the form of Bitchandar only to teach the lesson to the rishis and their wives at Tharukavanam (Thirupparaithurai) near here. . Asura Guru ± are present here. At the behest of Perumal. it got vanished immediately. one will be blessed with knowledge and education. * Since Goddess Lakshmi as Pooranavalli Thayar ended Shiva¶s hunger here. This is the only temple where Lord Brahma himself is present as Lord Guru facing South in a separate shrine with the vimanam and Urchava moorthy. In other temples. That¶s why Shiva is called Bitchandar (Bitchai ± begging for food). out of his 63 moorthams. Lord Shiva as Bitchandar facing west and Goddess Sondharya Parvathi/ Vadivudai Nayaki facing south. Siva Guru. * Lord Brahma normally seen only as koshta moorthy in the outer prahara walls of the sanctum sanctorum is having a separate shrine here. Sthalavruksham: Kadhamba tree Mangalasasanam: Thirumangai Azhwar Highlights: * One of the 108 divyadesams and honoured next only to Srirangam in the Divyadesam list * A temple of Shiva-Vaishnav unison * The only temple where all the 3 moorthies ± Brahma. is present here in a separate shrine with vimanam. Vishnu and Shiva and their consorts are present in 6 separate shrines. Poornavalli thayar (Goddess Lakshmi) filled the vessel here to end Shiva¶s hunger. Trichy ± Chennai Bitchandar koil (also called Uthamar Koil) Location: About 7 kms fom Trichy. Moorthies and Goddesses: Lord Brahma and Goddess Saraswathi facing South. * Goddess Saraswathi. A belief here is that wishes of one who visits the place are fulfilled. Sakthi Guru. Subramanaya Guru. by worshipping Her. Vishnu Guru. one will be free from hunger and poverty and will be blessed with all ishwaryas. at Tollgate on the Chennai route. one is sure to get all his wants. Worship benefits: * Since Lord Brahma got His privilege as the creator of all lives here. Valli and Devayanai are on indivudual peacock which can be seen only in this place. by worshipping Him. only Lord Dakshinamoorthy will be present as Lord Guru. * By worshipping Goddess Saraswathi present in a separate sannidhi. So this is a very significant Temple for Guru Worship. a very significant one. * Shiva appeared as Bitchadanar. There is a separate shrine for the Urchava (processional) idol to which the abhishekams are being done. More details in Raju¶s Temple Visits travelogue Pandurangan temple at Then Pandaripuram Location: 6 kms from Srirangm near Utthamar koil Main Deity: Radha. the place is known as Enam Samayapuram. This temple should be visited before you visit the main Samapuram Marriamman of Kannanoor. So the villagers named Her as Kannanur Mariamman and Vijaya Ranga Chocka nadha Naicker constructed this temple. The idol in one temple is of Athhi maram (fig tree). here also everyone is allowed to embrace the Pandurangan and pray. Significance: One of the sakthi peetams and a very popular temple Main deity: Mariamman Legend: There was an amman idol called Vainavi at the Srirangam Ranganadhar temple which was very fearsome and so they were shifting the idol to some other place. Prasadam given here is known as Pada doolhi or bukka which is like black mud. Karuppanna Swamy. one will be free from their ego and bad wills. Rukmani and Pandurangar Temple: This is a small temple and as in any Pandurangan temple. Sri Aadhi Marriamman temple at Enam Samayapuram Location: 16 kms from Trichy Chatram (Main Guard Gate) bus stand. At the back of the main sanctum we see the padam (foot print) of amman. a manifestation of the primeval energy Shakti as the Mother Goddess. they kept the idol on the ground for rest but could not take it back. The main mariamman idol is of medicinal herbs and so no abishekam is being done for it. Legend: Previously the idol was in Ranganadhar temple of Srirangam and it was removed from there and kept here. Temple: The temple is one of the most popular temples for Mariamman. The other one is stone to which they do abishekam.* By worshipping Bitchadanar who ended the egos of the rishis. This was identified by God to a devotee Parangkusa das in dream and was instructed to build this temple. The idol that is installed in the temple was taken from the well. . The temple is open all through the day from 5 AM to 9 PM. They don¶t do abishekam for this idol. Main Deity: Marriamman. Sri Marriamman temple at Samayapuram (Kannanoor) Location: 15 kms from Trichy main guard gate bus stand in the Trichy-Chennai NH 45. On top of the entrance to the sanctum we can see Gajalakshmi idol and at the sanctum. right foot stamping 3 demons and left foot bent slightly in a seated posture. the amman is present under an umbrella of five headed snake with eight hands. a local deity is also having a separate shrine. On the way. Temple: The temple is a small one with two different sanctums of Aadhi marriamman in one compound. This is a private temple of 75 years old. One shrine is dedicated to Mandooganathar with the Linga having a hole in memory of the frog that has worshipped him. king of Ujjain. Icha Sakthi. * A beautiful temple with intricate sculptural works. Kancheepuram is a monument to be preserved for its heritage value. Soolam and Kabalam in four hands. was changed to good by Shiva. there are 7 stages of steps indicating 7 days of a week. Temple: The temple is facing north and has shrines for Madurai Veeran. used to take and do daily worship of the Kali idol of this temple wherever he goes. * The temple tank is the oldest rain water harvesting tank and the ingenuity in the construction is laudable. * The Kailasanathar shrine constructed by the Pallavas on the lines of the Kailasanathar temple. Gnana Sakthi and Kriya Sakthi are present as koshta Gods. Vedhalam. * There is an exclusive shrine for Brahma in the inner praharam. The idol is magnificent 6 feet high and 6. A turning point in one¶s life can be expected by visiting this place. the creator himself. Sastha. Worshipping him is an amazing dharshan. * Here are shrines for twelve Lingas of Saivism. Sri Brahmapureeswarar temple at Thirupattur Location: Around 30 kms from Trichy in the Trichy-Chennai route. The big stone bull and the sudai sculptures here are worth visiting. Srinivasa Perumal. Kamkshi amman. Sundarar and Sekkizhar Highlights: * It is generally believed that one¶s fate can not be changed by any means but it can happen here since the ill fate of Brahma. . * The jeeva samadhi of Sage Pathanjali is in the inner praharam just opposite the Brahma¶s shrine. * From the entrance to the sanctum sanctorum. The small brass deity here is unique with 8 hands.Theertham: Mari theertham Sthala vruksham: Neem tree Ujjain Kali amman temple at Makalikudi Location: 1 km south-east of Samayapuram temple. Karuppanna Swamy. Legend: Vikramadhitya. Angusam. The deity at the sanctum sanctorum is having the name of Sri Anandha Sowbhagya Sundari in standing posture having Pasam.5 feet circumference and is seen in full turmeric (manjal) kappu always.Sthala Vruksham: Makizham Theertham: Sakthi theertham is having many herbal powers and believed to cure mental diseases. turn left (towards west) at Siruganur in the highway and go further for about 4 kms Main deity: Swayambu linga as Brahmapureeswarar Goddess: Brahma Sampath Gowri Other main deity: Lord Brahma Sthala Vriksham: Mahizha tree Theertham: Brahma Theertham and Bahula Theertham Sung by: Appar. The wooden temple car has exquisite sculptures. Theertham: Brahma Theertham Note: Kothanda Ramar ancient temple. Legend: Nandhi river flowing in this region started from the mouth of Nandhi in this temple. Trichy ± Thuraiyur Sri Pundarikaasha Perumal temple at Thiruvellarai Location: About 20 km north of Trichy. also called as ³Periya Piraattiyaar Lakshmi Devi´. Contact: R. The gopuram and a few mandapams have been constructed by Nayaks. .Baskara Gurukkal 0431-2650439/ 94438 17385 Note: Another sacred place. The Brahma Theertham well lies in between the main deity and Nandhi devar. en route Thuraiyur (not Woriyur which is inside the Trichy city). It is said that this place is good for worship of stars. the jeeva samadhi of Pulipani Siddhar is near this temple. Murugar temple in the nearby hillock and Chelliamman temple are worth visiting here. the Sastha temple in ruins is nearby. Significance: One of the Vaippu sthalams of Shiva Main Deity: Sundravaneyswarar/ Akilandeswari Suttha Rathneswarar as Swayambu lingam with Akhilandeswari. Sibi chakravarthy. Brahma worshipped Shiva at various places. east facing standing posture Goddess: Shenbagavalli. Rudhran (Lord Shiva). which is very sacred. Seperate sannadhi for Thaayar. ³Periya Thiruvadi´ Garudan. More details in Raju¶s Temple Visits travelogue Masilamaneeswarar temple at Utrathur Location: The place is about 3. Maarkandeya Maharishi.Legend: After loosing his fifth head and all his powers including the privilege of creating lives. On the roof we can see the Gods of 27 stars and 12 rasis. which is 34 kms from Trichy on the Trichy ± Chennai highway. the Kasi Viswanathar temple construed by cholas with a sacred tank is a km away. Temple: This is an early Chola temple constructed by Rajaraja Chola and occupies an area of 5 acrea. Utsavar thaayar is named as ³Pangajavalli´. Prathyaksham: For.2 kms south-east of Padalur. We can see a huge Nandhi facing East when we enter the temple. He got liberated from his punishment and also got back the privilege of creation. Bhoodevi (Bhoomi Piratti). Nataraja and Sivakami ammai stone idols are made of one single stone. Lord Brahma. Main Deity: Perumal Pundarikaashan. Once Shiva here adjudged Ganges as the supreme among them and so ordered his vahana Nandhi to face her side instead of facing Him. Here he worshipped with 12 lingams around and got the dharshan of Shiva under the Magizha tree. is 500 meters from the Vishnu Temple. * Inscriptions and the architecture at this temple point to periods of Pallava. According to the Puranas. Visiting this temple is an eligibility criterion for Moksham. Andal in Srivilliputhur. a rock cut temple. the front Rajagopuram is unfinished and would have been one of the biggest had it been finished. More details in Raju¶s Temple Visits travelogue Prasanna Venkatachalapathy Perumal temple at Perumal malai (Thuraiyur) Main Deity: Prasanna Venkatachalapathy Perumal with Sridevi and Boodevi Thayar. Hoysala and Vijayanagara kings. Whereas Srirangam was built during Rama¶s period. 3 kms from Thuraiyur. this place is called ³Thiru Vellarai´. 4 generations older forefather of Rama. Thiruvellarai temple was built by Sibhi. There is Aadhi Jambukeswarar temple. * Another belief is that no Vaishnavite can get Moksham without visiting Thiruvellarai. Place: The temple is at the top of Perumalmalai hills. There are seven hillocks to cross. maintained by Archeological Survey of India (ASI). must be visited in lifetime for its sheer majesty. apart from its divinity of course. this is the birth place of Uyyakkondan (a disciple of Saint Naradhar) whose given name was Pundareekhakshar and Engalazhwan whose given name was Vishnuchittar. one of them belongs to the period of `Pallava Malla¶ Nandivarman II and another belongs to the period of Rajaraja I. Note: It¶s a temple. * Legend has it that all the Vaishnavas who perform daily poojas in various temples in south India are originally from Thiruvellarai. * Only a handful of temples have been dedicated to Lord Varaha and this one is called Swedha Varaha Kshethram * Here Thayar gets the first rights over Perumal. older than Srirangam. * The temple is considered the oldest of the Vaishnavaite temples of South. * Acharyars: Ramanuja spent few months here after the unfortunate incident of attempting to kill him by poison at Srirangam. * This temple is situated at 100 feet high in a small hillock made of white granite slabs. surrounded on all sides by 36feet-high massive compound walls. a contemporary of Ramanuja and an expert in Sri Bashyam. Govindharaja perumal in . there are 5 praharams for the temple. * There are as many as 7 theerthams within the temple complex and one of them is the Swasthik kulam or Maamiyaar ± Maattu Penn (Mother in law ± Daughter in law) theertham or Chakra theertham. 64 `Chathuryugas¶ (the present Kaliyuga being one among them) have passed since the Lord was enshrined here. Hence the name Aadhi Vellarai.Highlights: * One of 108 Divya desams * Situated in a sprawling 14 acre site and resembles an old fort. Only in two other Divya Desams this happens ± Nachiyar temple in Thiru Naraiyur. architectural marvel and the heritage. Alarmelmangai Thayar is having a separate shrine. * There are two cave temples in the rocks for Markandeya Maharishi and Bhoodevi Thayar. This place is known as µThen Thirupathi¶ of Trichy due to the many similarities to Thirupathi. The Swastik shape of the tank makes it possible that people bathing at one ghat cannot view any other ghat. It is told that the Sundara Cholan. In the Shobana mandapam. Legend: The temple was constructed by one of the grand sons of Karikala chola. It is said that Ayyanar. The king. There is also a motorable road of about 5 kms till the top. Arunagirinathar and other saints. The temple tank is called µNandhi Theertham¶. Parasaran have prayed the Lord Shiva here. special poojas are being conducted for this Goddess. He is now known as Karuppanna Swamy or Veerappa Swamy and is having a separate shrine between the shrines of Perumal and Alarmelmangai Thayar. Sri Vedantha Mahadesigar temple at Thuraiyur This temple is near the Nandhikeswarar temple Trichy ± Musiri (Salem) Matrari Varadeeswarar temple at Thiruvasi ± Thevara temple Location: This is located at 12 kms from Trichy in the Trichy-Salem route via Ayyanpalayam on the northern bank of river Kollidam (Coleroon). Sri Sambath Gowri Amman sametha Nandhikeswarar Temple at Thuraiyur This temple lies in the heart of the Thuraiyur town.lying posture is having a temple at the foot hill. Govindaraja Perumal temple is situated at the base of the hill. the foot print of the Perumal is installed at the base of the hill in a mandapam along with Garudan in a standing posture. and there is a village known as Nagalapuram 5 kms away. as per the advice of his Guru. Pidari. For those who could not climb the hill. Indran.00 Noon) of all Fridays. 48 kms from Trichy. to expiate the sin of Raghu ± Kethu. The ancient name of the place is Thiruppachil Ashram. named the Linga here as µNandhikeswarar¶. It is said that having a dharshan of this Perumal¶s footprint is equivalent to having a dharshan of the Perumal at the hill top. This temple is developed and added with shrines during the 8th ± 14th centuries. Viboothi (holy ash) is being as prasadam in the Karuppannar shrine. there are wonder musical pillars and beautiful sculptures of the ten avatars of Mahavishnu and others on the pillars. delay in marriages etc. There are many life size exquisitely carved stone sculptures in the temple. Also. meditated here to attain moksha and got the dharshan of Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal in marriage posture. The King was also blessed to be with the Perumal and Thayar as the kshetra balan (the man of the place). Venuvanamunivar. Temple: The prime deity here is Alarmelmangai Thayar and there are separate shrines for Alarmelmangai Thayar and Padmavathi Thayar. It will take about 15 minutes in vehicle and about an hour in walking through steps. Thirumal. Hundreds of devotees take part in the Girivalam around this hillock on full-moon days. There is a Nagakanni Amman statue enshrined in this templ and during ragukalam (10. This temple is present as a symbol of Shaiva Vaishanav unison ± while Thulasi is being given as prasadam in the Perumal shrine. There is a beautiful centre mandapam in a dilapidated condition in the big irrigation tank nearby. The Lord is sung by Appar. Nagakanni. Significance: One of 275 Shiva temples glorified by the Thevara hymns.30 am to 12. The hill is 960 feet high with 1532 steps to climb. Offering Sweet Pongal . a ruler. They went to temple in search of Amalai and knowing this. Temple: This Thevara Vaipu Sthalam is a small temple and has lots of special significances. We see all the Gods with their wives ± Surya with his wife. Amalai threw her anklet back and it turned to be a river and started flowing. he wanted her to be married to his brother-in-law. Sthala Vruksham: Vanni Theertham: Amalai river.to God on Monday (or Thursday) and getting the holy water sprinkled is considered equivalent to visiting Kasi Main Deity: Matrarivaradeeswarar/ Samivaneswarar/ Brahmapureswarar as Swayambu lingam with Balambikaiamman/ Balasundari Legend: * The daughter of Kollimazhavan. After the marriage they both left the house saying that they are going to the temple. Here we can see a snake under the feet of Lord Nataraja instead of Muyalagan. Shiva came to their house as Kamalan¶s brother-in-law and married Amalai. Thadangam of Durgai is different here. Panguni river. Surya and Chandra are seen on top of Dakshinamoothy to either side with chamaram. Sambandhar and Sundarar sang hymns on Shiva of this place. only then they realised something had happened. meaning poison has no effect here. Lakshmi Narayanar. After they left. Brahma and Saraswathi. original brother-in-law returned home. There is a big snake pit before we enter the temple and the place is also known as Visham Theenda Pathi. Subramanya with Valli Devasena. Visha mangalaeswarar temple at Thudaiyur Location: 10 kms from Trichy. had the Muyalagan disease and Sambandhar cured it * Once a business man and a Shiva devotee called Kamalan was childless. . We see Sundarar with golden talam in his hand. Digichandana Dakshina moorhy idol is really good and He is with veena known as Digichandana in his hand. Amalai was a great devotee of Shiva and so wanted to marry Shiva. One day when he was going home from the temple he heard a child crying and found a baby in a lotus flower. on the northern bank of Kollidam and on the south side of the main road. there is an ancient early Chola temple of the period of Aditya I called Thiru Kadambatturai Udaiya Mahadevar (now named Matsyapurisvarar temple) at Tudaiyar. Durga is Vishnu Durgai on lotus peetam with agni in hand. Kalyana Sundareswarar. * Sundarar got a bag of gold from Lord Shiva in this place. When the child was ready for marriage. He named her Amalai and brought her up. Matsyapurisvarar temple at Thudaiyur Near Thiruvasi. Amalai was Parvathi devi herself and Shiva and Parvathi devi gave dharshan to all the people on the rishba vahana. Lakshmi Umadevi and Sage Agasthiar Temple: The temple dates back to about 1500 years. Kalyana Sundareswarar¶s left hand is around his wife affectionately holding her close to him and thumb of his feet is above the feet of ambal. * Worshipped by Brahma. Main Deity: Visha mangalaeswarar with Veera mangalaeswri/ Mangalanayaki amman. Other temples in the Agricultural fields are also worth visiting. The place is called Then Thirupathi and it is said that this Perumal is elder to Srinivasa Perumal of Thirupathi. Amaleesvarar Temple at Gopurapatti This is a small village west of Thiruvasi. full-moon day and half-moon day. Tuesday. Main deity is Swayambu moorthy. . Prasanna Venkateswara Perumal Temple at Gunaseelam Location: 16 kms from Trichy in the Trichy-Salem route. They say applying the oil will subside any type of pain. * the temple is also called µSouth kailash¶ * a rare temple for Yama (King of death) Main Deity: Neellivaneswarar/ Neelakandeswarar/ Jeelivana nadhar/ Viswanathar as Swayambu lingam and Visalakshi/ Neellnedunkannammal ammai. Theertham: Papavinasa theertham. Lord of the temple is called Thiru Amaleesvaram Udaiya Mahadevar in the inscriptions. Temple: There is no separate shrine for Thayar since Perumal is housing the Thayar in His chest.About half a km from here we see Vadha muni stone for which oil abishekam is done on Saturday. The early Chola temple here was in ruins but has been scientifically renovated and restored to its barest original form. Legend: Gunaseela Maharishi was in penance at his ashram to get the dharshan of Perumal and He appeared to him as swayambu moorthy and hence He is known as Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal. This is a Prarthana sthalam and people wanting to get good marriage and childhood come here and get their wishes sanctioned. Perumal is in a standing posture wearing a garland of Lakshmi dollar bearing the 1000 names of the Lord (sahasranama) and also a Salagrama garland. The Lord here loves abhisheham and so daily abhishehams take place. Legend: * Shiva appeared in the form of a brahmin and gave food to Navakkuarasar. During the Uchi Kala Pooja (11:30 AM to 12:30 PM) and Artha Jama Pooja (8:30 PM) the holy water is sprinkled on the devotees which is said to be expiating all kinds of evils effects and mind diseases like depression. Worship benefits: Mentally ill people stay here to become normal. Neelakandeswarar temple at Thiruppainjeeli ± Thevara Temple Location: About 20 kms north-west of Trichy. the place is famous for this temple Main Deity: Prasanna venkatesa perumal housing Thayar in his chest Significance: A Prarthana sthalam. The oil is distributed as prasadam to devotees. 8kms from Mannacha nallore on the northern bank of Kollidam. One who cannot go to Thirupathi can offer their prayers in this temple. Significance: * One of 275 sacred Shiva temples glorified by the Thevara hymns. It is equivalent to worshipping with all the flowers in the whole world. Naradhar revealed a secret to all the rishis at the deva loha. * There are two amman shrines. yet hidden and unpopular. during 640 AD. the main one is facing east and has a roofing with some special bricks available only in this region. a plantain tree is being decorated and worshipped. He said there is a flower called ³Argyadeva Valli´ that appears only once on a particular day at a particular time and worshipping Shiva with this flower will get immediate salvation to crores of lives. who gave rebirth to Yama. * Chinnandavar and Periyandavar. Sthala Vruksham: Neeli. All the rishis selected Brihu maharishi as the fittest person to carry out this task. * Appar. * There is a separate Yama temple outside the main temple within the compound. Significance: One of the most powerful and most sacred temples. the Navagrahas are prayed by lighting lamps in the nine stone cavern holes made on the floor. Yama is seen under the feet of Shiva. * The shrine of Lord Vishnu named Senthamarikanan is present inside the temple. The Shiva rock shrine is said to be created by Mahendra Varma Pallava. Please note that there is another straight route to Musiri from Trichy. . * As instructed by Sage Vasishtar. * Inside we see Shiva and Parvathi with Murugar in between them as Somaskandha moortham in a cave shrine. Brihu maharishi got just one clue from Naradhar that this flower will bloom on earth. a variety of plantain which is not grown in any other part Eha pushpa Priyanadhar Shiva temple at Thiruthiya malai Location: 10 kms from Thiruvellarai in the Musiri taluk between Thandalai puthur or T. At 2 kms from the water spring. 2 kms north of the temple on the way to Sri Pundarikatsha Perumal temple at Thiruvellarai. * There is also a good fresh water spring. Trichy ± Mannachanallur ± Thiruthiyamalai ± Thandalai puthur ± Musiri is the route. Sundarar and Sambandhar sang hymns on Shiva of this place.* Sage Vasishtar had dharshan of Shiva in dancing posture and so this is also called µMel Chidambaram¶. Surya and Chandra are on top to either side with chamaram. the rural guardian deities are also located in the temple premises. The sculpture of Sudha Mahamunivar lies in the outer precinct of the temple. otherwise called Gunabaram. 5000 years old temple Legend: The temple has a highly sacred and rare legend history behind it: On a Maha Sivarathiri day. In front of the Nandhi and Dwajasthambam. The Sorudaieswarar shrine is associated with the divine poet Appar. People who worship here will live without the fear of death. Theertam: Appar theertham. Main Deity: Swayambu linga known as Eha Pushpa Priyanadhan with Thayinum Nallal in different sanctums.Puthur and Moovanur. Trichy-Musiri buses that go via Thandalai puthur go through this place. Rama worshipped Shiva here before going to Lanka Temple: * Temple is situated in a sprawling 12 acre area and is one of the Saptha sthana temples of Thiruvanaikkaval * There is no exclusive Navagraha shrine since the steps leading to the main shrine is considered to be the Navagrahas. Those wanting a good marriage and those who suffer after marriage come here with a basket of raw rice flour and draw kolams around the Girivala route and on the rocks. especially. So he went to Kailayam and penanced for several thousand years to prepare himself for the dharshan. From the language of so many birds. this place is considered as a highly powerful Vasthu power Sthalam. to his surprise. Nedungudi and finally disappeared at Thiruthiyamalai. drinking etc can pray here. Agasthiar was undergoing µone crore Girivalam¶ around the hill along with his wife Lobamatha. On that eventful Maha Sivarthri day. A plantain thread from the sacred plantain tree of this temple showed way to Brihu maharishi through Piranmalai. Worship benefits: * µThiruthuthal¶ means µcorrecting the wrongs¶ in Tamil and this temple blesses the salvation stage for everyone after correcting all their sins * The Goddess is having a beautiful name of Thayinum Nallal meaning µmore caring than mother¶ and so protects people from all bad habits and sins * The temple worship benefits womanhood. The temple is maintained well. After that he came back to Thiruthiyamalai and to his surprise. worship the God and Goddess to get all their problems solved. the Argyadevavalli flower finally bloomed and all the thousands of birds flew in abundant happiness chanting µOm Namachivaya¶ to the Celestial world. Kunrakudi. Brihu maharishi realized that only people who got the dharshan of 10 lakh Vilva trees will get the chance to see the flower. * Those affected with bad habits like smoking. perform Girivalam and offer Sambar rice as annadhan to poor people. he understood that the flower is going to bloom on the next Maha Sivarathri day and so waited in penance at the foot hill. Regular worship here gets one out of all the bad habits Temple: The temple dates back to some 5000 years back. The place is a small village and hardly there is a visitor. he saw a huge tree in the middle of the hill with more than 1008 µthookkanakuruvi koodu¶. Brihu maharishi got some details of the flower through some secret phrases from Sage Agasthiar and from it.R. Kanjathu malai.Sethuraman ± 94438 53401 Trichy ± Kulitalai (Karur) . Brihu maharishi was slightly upset that he could not see the flower but the birds have already seen it.After penancing at various places. It is on a small hillock and looks like a fort. Theertham: Kodi Pushpa Aadhi Mahamaha Theertham Sunai (Water spring) Contact: Mr. Agasthiar appeared again with his wife and took Brihu maharishi for the first time to the hilltop (all the time. At that time. he met Agasthiar again there and received some more secrets from him. Though he had done girivalam so many times before. At that time. Thirumalai. he was at the foot hill only) and disappeared there. Kolakkudi. Brihu maharishi came to Thirukkalambur Sri Vaidhyanatha Swamy temple near Singampunari. he never saw that tree before. The Girivala route is about a km long and the worship procedure being to go through the Girivalam first and then worship God and Goddess. Brihu maharishi finally got the glimpse of the flower as a reflection in the µKodi Pushpa Aadhi Mahamaha Theertham (Sunai)¶ and then raised his head and got the direct dharshan of the flower. Thookkanankurvi koodu is considered as a good Vasthu symbol and due to the 1008 of them here. Temple: There are three sanctums for Shiva and three sanctums for Goddess. Rathanagreeswarar of Ayyarmalai in the noon and Thiru Engoinadhar of Thiru Engoi malai in the evening everyday. Dakshina moorthy. When he became old he could not continue his worship as before and so was sad and prayed to Shiva. Bairava. Temple: This small ancient Chola temple is a Thevara Vaippu sthalam. Shiva came in his dream and asked the King to take the three idols that are lying in the ground near the vanni maram and build a temple there. Ganapathy. Main Deity: Swayambu Linga known as Chandrashekara swamy and Maanendiya valli. In the morning.Shiva temple at Mutharasanallur Location: 7 kms from Trichy to Karur. Rudhrakoteeswarar temple at Kodiyalam Location: 3 kms from Trichy between Jeeyapuram and Mukkombu (Elamanur). Other shrines are Murugan with Valli and Devayanai. Legend: A king by name Mutuarasu used to worship Kadamba vaneswarar of Kulithalai in the morning. Sani and Surya. Those who could not go to Kulitalai and worship all the three temples can visit this single temple to get the same benefit. The temple is also called Thiru Alandurai Mahadevar temple. Significance: This is one of the Vaippu sthalams. Main Deities: * Rathnagreeswarar and Aralakesari amman in different sanctums. Main Deity: Vadateertheswarar as Swayambu lingam with Balasundari Ambikai. * Kadamba vaneswarar and Bala Kujalambikai in separate sanctums. Usually Nataraja in all temples will be attached to Thiruvasi at the back but in this place Nataraja standing on single leg without support is special. Ambikai has deer in her hand. Vada Theerthanathar Temple at Andanallur Location: 13 kms from Trichy in the Trichy-Karur route between Allur (Jeeyapuram) and Thiruchchendurai. Navagraha. The place is named after him as Muthrasanallur. Sthala Vruksham: Jack fruit tree. the King found the idols of Shiva and Goddess also and later built this temple. Chandeeswarar. * Engoinadhar and Maragadha valli amman in different sanctums. 1 km east from Mukkombu Main Deity: Rudhrakoteeswarar with Komalambikai amman Sri Panchandeeswarar temple at Allur . Andanallur is called Andavanallur in inscriptions. Shiva temple at Tiruchendurai Location: 12 kms from Trichy to Karur. Temple: Shiva linga looks like jack fruit. Mahalakshmi. The Navagrahas are present on a platform inscribed with the 12 rasis along with their respective consorts. Sambandhar and Navakarasar sang hymns on Shiva of this place. Murugan. the ladies forgot themselves. They felt God is not at all needed since one¶s karma only is responsible for the pain and pleasure of that person. On realizing their mistakes. On seeing such a divinely personality with a magnetic voice for the first time. The navagraha mandapam was installed in 1932 as per the instructions of Kanchi Maha Periyavar Sri Chandrasekarendhra Swamigal. Kubera and Saptharishis worshipped Shiva here. the rishis at once surrendered to Bitchadanar. The deity is called Thiru Vadagudi Paramesvarar (or) Mahadevar. To teach the lesson first for the ladies. through yagnas. Sri Sundareswarar Temple at Nangavaram . Sthala Vruksham: Punnai tree. On getting furious over their wives getting attracted towards this nude beggar. Main Deity: Paraithurai nadhar/ Tharuka vaneswarar as Swayambu lingam facing East with Pasumpon myilammai. The rishis¶ wives were also equally egoistic..The Panchanadeesvarar temple is situated in Allur 10 kms from Trichy on the main road to Karur. they felt ashamed and embarrassed with their egoistic thinking about their beauty. Temple: The temple is situated in the place where parai trees are large in number. hence the place is known as Paraithurai. Tiger etc. Hemavarnambal facing South. they both went to the Agraharam begging. Sri Viswanathar temple at Pazhur Pazhur is located in the Trichy-Karur route about 800 meters before Allur. Other deities present in the temple are Vinayakar. Indhra. Meditating under the Parai tree here is considered very special. On seeing the beauty of the Mohini (Vishnu). both Bitchadanar and Mohini went to Tharukavanam where the rishis were doing a yagna. Dakshina moorthy and Navagraha. Legend: This place was called Tharukavanam and once the rishis here were very egoistic and feeling that their knowledge and spiritual powers were just sufficient to uplift the people. This temple for Viswanathar-Visalakshmi is famous for Navagraha worship and devotees throng the temple. Wanting to teach a lesson. Shiva took the form of a beautiful full nude beggar with all his sheen as Bitchadanar accompanied by Vishnu as Mohini. forgot what they were doing and came to streets to see him. Theertham: Cauveri. sending mantras and vedas to fight Bitchadanar but nothing could stand in front of Him. thinking that they were the most beautiful of all the worlds including the devaloha ladies and the consorts of the 3 moorthies. Shiva finally revealed his true identity and did a furious dance in front of them. Durgai. vahanas and yandhras. The rishis learnt by hard way that learning all the mantras and vedas are only to promote the human lives and to do good to the society. Followed by the wives of the rishis. Tharuka vaneswarar at Thirupparaithurai ± Thevara temple Significance: One of 275 sacred Shiva temples glorified by the Thevara hymns Location: 15 kms from Trichy. the rishis did different things like creating an elephant. In and Around Kulitalai and Musiri Kulitalai and Musiri are on the opposite banks of Cauvery. Main Deity: Madhyarjuneswarar with Balambikai. Rathnagresswarar temple at Ayyarmalai (Thiruvatpokki) in the noon.Nangavaram is 18 kms from Trichy and about 3 kms south of Perugamani in the Trichy-Kulitalai route. It is considered that worshipping all of them in a single day will get us salvation. Morning Kadambar ± Noon Chokkar ± Evening Thiruvengi nadhar There are three important sacred shiva temples in this region glorified by the Thevara hymns and Agathiar used to worship all the three in a single day. Shiva temple at Pettaivaithalai Location: 23 kms from Trichy to Karur. Musiri is in the Trichy-Salem route running along the northern bank of the Cauveri. Surya. whereas Kulitalai is in the TrichyKarur route running along the southern bank of the Cauveri. considered equivalent to Madurai and is called Vada Madurai Main Deity: Kadambavaneswarar/ Sundaresar/ Soundareswarar with Mutrila mulaiamai/ Bala Gujambigai Legend: . which became as Nangavaram. Other deities like Bitchadanar. Both are at about 40 kms from Trichy and connected by a bridge across the river. uterus. Chandra and Navagraha are there. All types of ladies specific problems like mensus. Dandayudhapani. menopause related are said to be cured by worshipping Shiva at this place. Saraswathi. considered equivalent to Kasi and is called Dakshina Kasi. Kadambar Koil at Kulithalai Location: Kulithalai town Significance: One of the 275 sacred Shiva temples glorified by the Thevara hymns. Hence this place is called Mangai-varam (or) Nangaivaram. He worshipped Kadamba nadhar at Kadambar koil in the morning. The Jeeva samadhi of Potralam poovai chittar is present here. Worshipping Shiva in this place is recommended to get rid of Brahmahatti dosha. and the Thiruvengi nadhar at Thiru-engoimalai in the evening. Mahalakshmi. It is said that the daughter of a Chola king of Woraiyur was born with the face of a jackal and by her devotion to the Lord of this place she got the normal human features. Agasthiar was not satisfied even after worshipping so many temples in south and finally got satisfaction after worshipping these three temples. north facing temple like Kasi. A stone panel with 24 Jain Theerthangaras is also seen here. In a pillar we can see Potralam poovai chittar. It has an ancient Sundareswarar temple and a Pidari temple. The village is called Arinjigai Sathur Vedhimangalam. The temple was built by 3rd Kulothunga Chola. Temple: The temple at Pettaivaithalai is about 1km inside from the Trichy-Kulitalai main road. The cauvery here is called ³Aganda (wide) Cauvery´ and has a width of more than 1 KM. especially the younger generations of the city. Nalvar. The demon ran and hid at the place of Sage Kathyayanar. Sekkizhar. Due to this. The urchava idols of the following seven surrounding temples come here for the cauvery river bath and give dharshan to the devotees. Viswanathar and Gajalakshmi. Murugar. Subramanyar. the Saptha Kannigas joined Durga devi and made the demon run away. Somaskandar. * Per the request of Devasarma. 1) Sri Madhyarsneswarar from Rajendram 2) Sri Madhyarsneswarar from Pettavaithalai 3) Sri Rathnagreeswarar from Ayyarmalai 4) Sri Simmapureeswarar from Karuppathur 5) Sri Maragathachaleswarar from Thiru-engoi-malai 6) Sri Chandramouleeswarar from Musiri and 7) Sri Thirukkameeswarar from Vellur Rathnagreeswarar Temple at Ayyarmalai . So he became a Moogar and to get rid of the curse. musical and dance performances at various places ± a typical village temple festival. At the sanctum sanctorum. So this place is called Vedhapuri * When Shiva was preaching Pranava mantra to Paravthi devi. Vishnu shrine is present in the Agni corner at the banks of the Brahma Theertham.The legend has been described in the Kanda Puranam * Brahma got fatigue over his job of creating lives and prayed to Shiva for salvation. 63 nayanmars. behind the moolavar. Per Shiva¶s guidance. So Lord Vishnu worshipped Shiva here and with His blessings went under the ground in the Machavathar and brought back the Vedas. * Demon Somugan once took away the four Vedas and hid it in the Bhadala logam. When the demon got stronger in the fight. So this place is called Kandhapuram Temple: The temple has 2 praharams and the amman shrine is facing east. Shiva gave the dharshan of his wedding with Goddess Meenakshi and so this place is called Vada Madurai. Jeshtadevi. to be witnessed by everyone once in lifetime. Arunagirinadhar sang Thiruppugazh on this Shiva. The Saptha Kannigas mistook that the demon was hiding in the form of Sage and so killed the sage cruelly. Natarajar. The celebrations take place for the whole night with discourses. He worshipped Shiva in many places and finally came here and got the curse cleared. learnt it by overhearing. Theertham: Brahma Theertham Thaipoosa Festival: This is a highly popular festival for this region conducted on a grand scale during the Poosa star day of tamil month Thai. Uma devi kissed murugar on his forehead and made him sit by the side of Shiva. So He is called Sundaresar. Brahma penanced here for 1000 Deva years and got finally the dharshan of Lord Shiva in his Rishaba vahana * Once there was a fight between Goddess Durga and demon Dhoomralosan. the Saptha Kannigas are present in a sculpture. Navagrahas. There are shrines for Vinayagar. without any Guru. they got the Brahma harthi dhosham and got it relieved off only after worshipping Shiva here. Durgai. Temple: The temple is on a steep hill of 1178 feet height and has 1017 steps with a circumference of 4 kms in 110 acres area. Indhran. The snakes here have no poison. Vishnu. The king reconciling from the fury fell at the feet of the Lord. no crow flies on the hill above this particular height. wearing a priceless crown. The special thing about this temple is that the water for abishekam is being carried everyday from the Cauvery river 9 kilometers away and through these 1017 steps. The garlands used for the presiding deity is then offered to this head. He kept his promise sooner the wish was achieved. water for abishekam is being carried everyday from the Cauvery river 9 kilometers away and through the 1017 steps of the hill Main deity: Rathnagreeswarar/ Rajalingam/ Valpokki with Karumbar Kuzhali. Vayu. Adhiseshan. Honey and Coconut milk is used for the abishek for this head. they worshipped Shiva here * Indhran once behaved improperly with the wife of Sage Gouthamar and so was cursed. During the month of Chithirai. Agni. There is a beautiful temple tank at the base of the hill. Theertham: Cauvery Sthala Vruksham: Neem Legend: * Ayyarmalai is one of the peaks of Meru Mount and the Linga is a Jyothir Linga * Worshipped by Brahma. * A devotee. . April-May. the first in the list of South of Cauvery temples. All these are revered as Navarathnas. The temple is praised in the hymns of Thirunavukkarasar and Arunagiriar Thirupugazh. due to excessive heat you may have to literally run down from one mandapam to the other mandapam. Surya. finally he got his curse cleared by worshipping Shiva here * Once the Navarathna crown of King Aryarajan could not be found and he prayed to Shiva. The angry King took the sword and threw it on the Linga which began to bleed. Devotees in large number undertake Girivalam during the Full moon days. who in turn pardoned him and also got back his lost crown. There is a mandapam called crow mandapam to indicate this. There are many resting mandapams for every 100 feet. After visiting so many temples. Saptha Kannigas and Sages Agathiar and Romasar * Both Vayu and Aadhi seshan got into the sin of defecting the Mount Meru and in order to get rid of their sins. Vaira Perumal of Kancheepuram vowed to offer his head to Rathnagreeswarar if he gets a child. It is advisable to go prepared with a pair of socks to escape the heat from the floor. He came here and tried to fill a big bowl called Kopparai meant for storing the abisheka water. The head came to the peak of the mount while the feet stayed down. But it did not become full even after pouring the Cauvery water endlessly. Significance: One of the 275 sacred Shiva temples glorified by the Thevara hymns. From then on. while coming down. The Lord offers dharshan on the 1st day of Karthikai. Trichy Rockfort and Srirangam temple tower which are 40 kms away are visible from here Note: During the summer.Location: 8 kms from Kulithalai and 40 kms from Manapparai in the Kulitalai-Manapparai road. The swayambu Linga is in the midst of 8 rocks and this is the 9th rock. * Sundharamoorthy Nayanar received gold from Shiva * Once a crow spilled the milk bowl of a devotee and the crow got burnt. the sun rays fall on the Shivalinga through the nine holes in front of the sanctum sanctorum. The scar is still visible on the Linga and that¶s why the deity is called Vatpokki. such a precious and sacred lingam was stolen a few years back and is one of the many temple thefts that are still happening as a day to day news. Mariamman temple at Kulitalai This is a very popular temple and the car festival during the summer is highly popular for the entire surrounding region. The original Swayambu lingam of the temple called Maragatha lingam is said to be transparent and also to throw a green shadow when camphor is burned. Sadly.co. Main deity: Swayambu lingam known as Maragathaleswarar/ Malaikozhnthar with Goddess Maragathambigai / Maragathavalli Place: The hillock is otherwise called Maragathamalai /Thenkailayam /Sivasakthimalai /Malaikovil / Erattimalai. * When Sundarar went to see the Lord. also called Kondayurumarai or Kondamarai.Contact: 95-4323-223257. Poet Nakkeerar has sung 70 songs named µEngoi-Elupathu¶. called Ramayana door. [email protected] Thiruvengi nadhar Temple at Thiru-engoi-malai Location: 40 Km from Trichy and and 5 kms from Musiri towards Thottiam. took the form of a bee and entered the temple to perform his worship. * Ambal worshipped Shiva here and so the hill is also called Sivasakthi malai.5 km from Ayyarmalai Main deity: Sivapureeswarar with Periyanayahi Significance: Natarajar here is very beautiful Temple: There are two gopurams. He hid himself in tamarind and when Sambandhar asked for gold. The temple walls are big and the wooden door to the first entrance. on the banks of the river Cauvery. is huge with the sculptures of Ramayana and other legends. The river µSurpanathi¶. He gave the tamarind from the tree which became gold. finding the gates of the temple closed one evening. Significance: This has been declared as a monument. The God is connected with the deities of Kadambar kovil and Ayyarmalai. . passes by the side of the hillock. There are 100 pillars and 16 pillars mandapams. Shiva temple at Shivayam Location: 1. Temple: The temple is on a hillock on the bank of the river Cauvery and 500 steps lead to the temple. Sri Kuranganathar temple in Srinivasanallur Location: This temple is at about 50 kms from Trichy between Thottiyam and Musiri in the Trichy-Salem highway. being maintained by Archeological Survey of India (ASI) and is not a living temple. the first one is a 5 stage gopuram and the next one is a 3 stage one. Legend: * The name of the place is said to be derived from Thiru-i-ongaimalai (µi¶ meaning bee in Tamil) and to have been so called because the sage Agasthiar. At the base of the temple lies Siddhar Bogar temple. Thiru narayanapuram. At night they had to halt here and the King had a dream that Vedanarayana perumal is under the mud and He has to be uncovered and installed in a temple. Brahma asked Veda Narayanar to preach him Veda and got it preached and so we can see the right palm of Perumal is kept open in a posture of preaching Brahma. There is also a separate shrine for Goddess Saraswathi. Sridevi and Boodevi are by the side. This is a very ancient temple with additions constructed during the Nayakar period in the 15th century. take the left side road at Thottiyam to Kattuputhur Main Deity: Venkatramana Swamy with Sridevi and Bhoodevi Thayars. Temple: The place is also called Chathurvedimangalam and Vedapuri. This temple has two prakaram and two main shrines for Perumal and Thayar. Prahaladha worshipped Him and asked Him to be in santha swaroopam in this place forever. To clear his doubt he asked the Veda Narayana perumal and the Perumal replied him that since Brahma is the God of creation it could be none other than Brahma. Looking at the person Brahma was confused as to who could have created such an ugly person. The King did the same and the pooja and then only proceeded further. take the left side road at Thottiyam (right side road goes to Namakkal/ Salem) that goes to Kattuputhur. Inscriptions of Parantaka Cholan dating 935 ± 950 CE and further more are found on the walls of this temple. while going from Musiri to Salem. No doubt. He created an ugly person and sent him to Brahma. Perumal is reclining on Aadhiseshan and the four vedas are used as pillows. This temple is considered to be an important one as Lord Perumal is preaching Brahma. Arasalur and Mohanur Main Deity: Veda Narayanar in lying posture with Sridevi and Bhoodhevi Thayars Significance: Swayambu Veda Narayana Perumal on Aadhi seshan with 10 heads. . * After Hiranya vadham. Very intricately carved sculptures proclaim the rich artistic skills of the period. Theertham: Cauvery Sthala Vruksham: Vilva tree Vishnu Temple at Thiru Kattuputhur Location: 10 kms from Thiru Narayana puram near Thottiyam. Prahaladha as a small boy is also seen in the temple. Perumal was in anger. 1 km from Varadaraja puram. * Another legend being that the Arayar family came here for worship. while going from Musiri to Salem. That day fire broke out and the temple with temporary structure got fire and Arayar with his family laid on the idol to save Him from fire and attained moksha. Brahma¶s ego was shattered and the ugly person disappeared. The vimana of the temple is unique with a two tier structure and a smaller central third tier with a square dome and a finial. Anjeneya in the front pillar is special here as people keep him as a judge for their issues. In the Sanctum. Legend: * Once Mahabala chakravarthy Vanarayar was travelling to Mysore via this place to fight and expand his kingdom. Vishnu Temple at Thiru Narayanapuram Location: Thottiam taluk. The temple is a small one but well maintained. * Once Brahma was in ego as a creator of lives and so Perumal wanted to teach him a lesson.Temple: It is a stunningly beautiful piece of early Chola architecture. the King then won the fight without any effort. a servant who worked in his stable. Goddess Kali. Next day he went to Kali temple and began to play ³Parai´ rhythmically. Later a temple was constructed by Pujankrayar at this place. followed him back to Thottiyam and seated under the µVanni¶ tree. Sthala Vruksham: Vanni tree. The tributary of Cauveri river flows in front of the Shiva temple.Significance: The temple is 300 years old. this Shiva is called µAnaladeeswarar¶. 27 pillar mandapam and a 5 pillar Arthamandapam. This village is called Gowtharasanallur. Note: Traces of a fort and an idol namely the Fort Karuppan are also in this village. Therefore. Thirupursundari Analadeswarar Temple at Thottiyam In the Esawari tank at this temple the Agni Kund/ Brahma Kund/ Yaha Kund of Lord Brahma from which Lord Shiva came for µThiripurasamharam¶ dance is present. There is a 3 tier tower. Many beautiful sculptures are carved inside the temple. Venkatramana perumal revealed himself to Musukunda Chakravarthi Madura Kaliamman Temple at Thottiam Place: Thottiyam is in Musiri-Namakkal route and the temple of Madura Kaliamman is just half a km from Vanapattarai ground. . Legend: About 500 years back King Esanakarayar ruled this area. Chinnan. wants to go to Kali Festival at Madurai. Temple: The temple is surrounded by lush green fields. a musical drum and stayed at his brother-in-law¶s house. admired by the music of Chinnan. He got permission from the King and went to Madurai with his ³Parai´.