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Tiruchirapalli - Tiruchi or Trichy

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Situated in Tiruchirappalli district, on the banks of the River Kaveri (also spelt as Cauvery) is Tiruchirappalli. The most famous landmark of Tiruchirappalli is the Rock Fort Temple, a spectacular monument perched on a massive rocky out crop which rises abruptly from the plain to tower over the old city. நதிஸ்தோத்ரம் ப்ரவக்ஷ்யாமி ஸர்வ பாப ப்ரணாசனம்
பாகீரதி வாரணாஸி யமுநா ச ஸரஸ்வதீ பல்குநி சோணபத்ரா
ச நர்மதா கண்டகீ ததா கயாப்ரயாகே ஸரயூஸ் த்ரிவேணி மணிகர்ணிகா
க்ருஷ்ணவேணீ பீமரதி, கௌதமி பயநாசிநி அக நாசி வியத்கங்கா
துங்கபத்ரா பலாபஹா குண்டீ ஹைமவதீ சைவ வரதா ச குணுத்வதீ
வேத்ரவதீ வேதவதீ காயத்ரீ கோசிகீ ததா குந்தா மந்தாகிநீ சைவ
க்ருதமாலா ஹர்த்ருதா மஞ்சரீ தபதீ காளீ ஸீதா சாலகநந்திநீ
ஸ்த்தாச்ரமச்ச ஸிம்ஹாத்ரீ புண்டரீக மதோத்பலம்
ஸ்வாமி புஷ்கரணீ சைவ ஸத்ய புஷ்கரணீ ததா
சந்த்ர புஷ்கரணீ சைவ ஹேமபுஷ்கரணீ ததா
கௌமேதகீ குருக்ஷேத்ரம் பதரீ த்வாரகா ததா

காவேரி அஷ்டோத்திர சத நாமாவளி

1) ஓம் அநநத குண கம்பீராயை நம:
2) ஓம் கர்கபுஷ்கர ஸேவிதாயை நம:
3) ஓம் கம்ருத ஸ்வாதுஸ விலாயை நம:
4) ஓம் அக்ஸ்த்யு முநிநாயக்யை நம:
5) ஓம் ஆஸாந்த கீர்த்தி திலகாயை நம:
6) ஓம் ஆஸீகாமநிவர் தித்யை நம:
7) ஓம் இதிஹாஸ புராணோக்தாயை நம:
8) ஓம் ஈதிபாதா நிவாரிண்யை நம:
9) ஓம் உந்மத்த ஜநதூரஸ்த்தாயை நம:
10) ஓம் ஊர்ஜிதாநத்த தாயிந்யை நம:
11) ஓம் ருஷிஸங்கஸீ ஸம்வீதாயை நம:
12) ஓம் ருணத்ரய விமோசநாயை நம:
13) ஓம் லுப்த தர்மஜநோத் தாராயை நம:
14) ஓம் லுநபாவ விவர்ஜிதாயை நம:
15) ஓம் ஏதிதாகில லோகஸரியை நம:
16) ஓம் ஜஹிகா முஷ்மிகப்ரதாயை நம:
17) ஓம் லும்கார நாதநித தாயை நம:
18) ஓம் லுஷதிக்ருரத ஜீவநாயை நம:
19) ஓம் ஒளதார்யகுணநிர்திஷ்டாயை நம:
20) ஓம் ஒளதாஸீற்ப நிவாரிண்யை நம:
21) ஓம் அந்தஃகரணஸம் ஸேவ்யாயை நம:
22) ஓம் அச்சஸ் வச்ச ஜலாஸ்ரயாயை நம:
23) ஓம் கபிலாக்யந தீஸ்நீக்தாயை நம:
24) ஓம் கருணாபூர்ணமநஸாயை நம:
25) ஓம் காமிதார்த்த பலப்ரதாயை நம:
26) ஓம் கும்பகோண ÷க்ஷத்ர நாயை நம:
27) ஓம் கௌதுப்ர தமப்ரபாயை நம:
28) ஓம் ககராஜா தோதஸா நம:
29) ஓம் ஹரங்கஸ்தளஸீஸோபிதாயை நம:
30) ஓம் ககாவளி ஸமாக்ராந்த கல்லோலா வளிமண்டிதாயை நம:
31) ஓம் கஜாரண்யஸீ விஸ்தீர்ணப் ரவாஹ ஜந்மோ ஹிந்யை நம:
32) ஓம் காயத்ர்யாக்ய ஸிலாமத்யாயை நம:
33) ஓம் கருடாஸநபக்திதாயை நம:
34) ஓம் கநகம்பீரநிதநிர்ஜரப்ராப்த நிர்ஜாராயை நம:
35) ஓம் சந்த்ர பஷ்கரமத்யஸ் தாயை நம:
36) ஓம் சதுராந நபுத்ரிகாயை நம:
37) ஓம் சோளதே ஸஜ நோத்தாரக் ரீஷ்மகால ப்ரவாஹிந்யை நம:
38) ஓம் சஞ்சு÷க்ஷத்ர ஸமாதீ தாயை நம:
39) ஓம் பத்ம தோஷ நிவாரிண்யை நம:
40) ஓம் ஜம்பூத்வீபஸரிச்சரேஷ்ட நநீதகரீஸயஸ்யை நம:
41) ஓம் ஐங்கார நாத ஸம்மருஷ்ட ஷட்பதாஸமா குலாயை நம:
42) ஓம் ஜஞாகன நைஸாத நபராயை நம:
43) ஓம் ஜ்ஞப்தி மாத்ரார்தி ஹாரிண்யை நம:
44) ஓம் ஷட்டிபாராவஸவ்யாஜநிவிஜஸ் துதிபர்தரிண்யை நம:
45) ஓம் டங்காரநாதஸம் பேத ஜாஜரீக்ருத பர்வதாயை நம:
46) ஓம் டாகி நீஸாகிநஸந்க நிவாரண ஸரித்தடாயை நம:
47) ஓம் டக்கா நிதா பாரீண பார்வதீ ஸ்ரிதாயை நம:
48) ஓம் ஸஸமாணாந்த வாச்யத் விஜாஷ்டாங்கயோக ஸாதந்த பராயை நம:
49) ஓம் தரங்காவளி சம்வித்தம் ருதுவாருக ஸோபிதாயை நம:
50) ஓம் தபஸ்விஜநஸத்கார நிவேசிதசிலா சநாயை நம:
51) ஓம் தாபத்ரய தருந்மூலகங்காதி பிரபிஷ்டுதாயை நம:
52) ஓம் ஸேவ்ய ஸாம்பஸாந்நித்ய காஜிண்யை நம:
53) ஓம் தயாதாக்ஷிண்ய ஸத்கா ஸீலலோக ஸீபாவிதாயை நம:
54) ஓம் தாக்ஷிண்ய ஜநோத்தார நிர்விசார தயாள்விதாயை நம:
55) ஓம் தநமாநம தாந்தா திமர்த்யநிவர் தநப்ரியாயை நம:
56) ஓம் நமஜ்ஜ நோத்தார ஸீலாயை நம:
57) ஓம் நிமஜ்ஜஜ்ஜ நபாவ நாயை நம:
58) ஓம் நாகாரி கேது நிலயாயை நம:
59) ஓம் நாநா தீர்த்தாதி தேவதாயை நம:
60) ஓம் நாரீ ஜநம நோல்லா ஸாயை நம:
61) ஓம் நாநாரூப பலப்ரதாயை நம:
62) ஓம் நாராயணக் ருபா ரூபாயை நம:
63) ஓம் நாதப்ரஹ்மஸ்வரூபிண்யை நம:
64) ஓம் பராபூத ஸமஸ்தாகாயை நம:
65) ஓம் பஸுபக்ஷ்யாதி ஜீவநாயை நம:
66) ஓம் பாபதூலாக்நி ஸத்ருஸாயை நம:
67) ஓம் பாபிஸ்டஜந பாவநாயை நம:
68) ஓம் பணீந்த்ர கீர்த்தி தகலாயை நம:
69) ஓம் பவதாநபராயணாயை நம:
70) ஓம் பஹீஜந்மதபோயோகபல ஸம்ப்ராப்த தர்ஸநாயை நம:
71) ஓம் பாஹுருபத் விபார்ஸ்வஸ் தஸ்வமாத் ருகஜ வார்த்தி நம:
72) ஓம் நாம் களம ÷க்ஷத்ரஸால்யந்தா நாநிர்ஜித வித்பாயை நம:
73) ஓம் பகவத்ருதஸந் தோஷாயை நம:
74) ஓம் பாஸ்கர ÷க்ஷத்ர காமிந்யை நம:
75) ஓம் பாகீரதி ஸமாக்ராநத துலாமாஸஜலாஸ்ரயாயை நம:
76) ஓம் மஜ்ஜீத்துர்ஜநப்ராக்ஜந்மதுர் ஜயாமஹ ப்ரமர்ஜந்யை நம:
77) ஓம் மாகவை ஸாகாதி மாஸஸ்நா நஸ்மரண ஸெளக்யதாயை நம:
78) ஓம் யஜ்ஞதாநதப; கர்மகோடி புண்ய பலப்ரதாயை நம:
79) ஓம் யக்ஷகந்தர் விஸத்தாத்யை ரபிஷ்டு தபதத்வயாயை நம:
80) ஓம் ரகுநாதபதத்வந்த்வ விராஜிதஸிலாயை நம:
81) ஓம் ராமநாதபுரஷேத்ர காமதேனு ஸமாஸ்ரிதாயை நம:
82) ஓம் லவோதகஸ்பர்ஸமாத்ரநிர்வாணபத தாயிந்யை நம:
83) ஓம் லக்ஷ்மீநிவாஸஸதநாயை நம:
84) ஓம் லலநாரத்நரூபிண்யை நம:
85) ஓம் லகூக்ருதஸ்வர்க்க போகாயை நம:
86) ஓம் லாவண்ய குணஸாக ராயை நம:
87) ஓம் வஹ்நி புஷ்கர ஸாந்நித்யாயை நம:
88) ஓம் வந்தி தாகில லோகபாயை நம:
89) ஓம் வ்யாக்ரபாத ÷க்ஷத்ரபாராயை நம:
90) ஓம் வ்யோமதா நஸமாவ்ருதாயை நம:
91) ஓம் ஷட்கால வந்த்ய சரணாயை நம:
92) ஓம் ஷட்கரமநியதப்ரியாயை நம:
93) ஓம் ஷடாஸ்ய மாத்ருஸம் ஸேவ்யாயை நம:
94) ஓம் ஷடூர்மிஜித ஸோர்மிகாயை நம:
95) ஓம் ஸக்ருத்ஸ் மரணஸம்சுத்த தயபத்ரய ஜநாஸரி தாயை நம:
96) ஓம் ஸஜ்ஜ நோத்தாரஸந்தாந ஸமர்த்த ஸ்வப்ர வாஹிந்யை நம:
97) ஓம் ஸரஸ்வத்யாதி தேவீ பிரபிவந்தித நிர்ஜராயை நம:
98) ஓம் ஸஹ்ய ஸைலஸ முத்பூதாயை நம:
99) ஓம் ஸஹ்யாஸஹ்ய ஜநப்ரியாயை நம:
100) ஓம் ஸங்கம க்ஷத்ர ஸாமீப்பாயை நம:
101) ஓம் ஸ்வெள ஸார்த்தச துஷ்டயாயை நம:
102) ஓம் ஸெளபரி ஸேத்ர நிலயாயை நம:
103) ஓம் ஸெளபாக்ய பலதாயந்யை நம:
104) ஓம் ஸம்ஸயாவிஷ்ட தூரஸ்த்தாயை நம:
105) ஓம் ஸாங்கோ பாங்கபலோதயாயை நம:
106) ஓம் ஹரிப்ரஹ்ம ஸலோகே ஸஸித்திப் நம:
107) ஓம் ருந்தாரவந்திதாயை நம:
108) ஓம் க்ஷத்ர தீர்த்தாதி ஸீமாந்தாயை நம:
109) ஓம் க்ஷபாநாதஸீ ஸ்ரீ தளாயை நம:
110) ஓம் க்ஷமாதலாகி லாந்த ஷேம ஸ்ரீயாவஹாயை நம:

Trichy Tayumanavar - Ucchi Pillayar

Tayumanavar is a very compassionate God who took a female form to assist a woman in labour. Legend has it that Shiva in the guise of a woman (mother) attended to the call of a devotee in labor, hence Matrubhuteswarar.Tiruchirappalli is hailed as Dakshina Kailasam, as the hill is said to be 1 of the 3 pieces that flew off the Himalayas. in a fierce tussle between Adi Seshan the mythical snake and the Wind God Vayu. The other two are Triconamalee & Sree Kalahasti. Arulmigu Thayumanavar swami, Arulmigu Mattuvarkuzhali and Arulmigu Uchipillaiyar are installed in the temple.

The Rockfort temple is at a height of 273 feet and 417 steps to climb.

1.98 திருச்சிராப்பள்ளி (1058-1068)

பண் - குறிஞ்சி
தாயுமானேசுவரர்- மட்டுவார்குழலம்மை.
நன்றுடையானைத் தீயதிலானை நரைவெள்ளே
றொன்றுடையானை உமையொருபாகம் உடையானைச்
சென்றடையாத திருவுடையானைச் சிராப்பள்ளிக்
குன்றுடையானைக் கூறவென்னுள்ளங் குளிரும்மே. 1.98.1

5.85 திருச்சிராப்பள்ளி - திருக்குறுந்தொகை

தாயுமானேசுவரர், தேவியார் - மட்டுவார்குழலம்மை.
மட்டுவார் குழலாளொடு மால்விடை இட்ட மாவுகந் தேறும் இறைவனார்
கட்டு நீத்தவர்க் கின்னருளேசெயுஞ் சிட்டர் போலுஞ் சிராப்பள்ளிச் செல்வரே. 5.85.1
அரிய யன்றலை வெட்டி வட்டாடினார் | அரிய யன்றொழு தேத்தும் அரும்பொருள்
பெரியவன் சிராப்பள்ளியைப் பேணுவார் |அரிய யன்றொழ அங்கிருப் பார்களே. 5.85.2
அரிச்சி ராப்பகல் ஐவராலாட்டுண்டு | சுரிச்சிராது நெஞ்சேயொன்று சொல்லக்கேள்
திரிச்சி ராப்பள்ளி யென்றலுந் தீவினை |நரிச்சி ராது நடக்கும் நடக்குமே. 5.85.3
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திருச்சிற்றம்பலம்

அன்னை அருட்பா

அன்னை அருட்பா (தாயுமான சுவாமிகள் அருளியது)
மெய்யுணர்வு பெற
எய்யாத வாழ்வும் வேறெண்ணாத நிலையும்
நினை என்றும் மறவாத நெறியும்
இறவாத தகவும் மேம் பிறவாத கதியும்
இவ்வேழையே கருள் செய் கண்டாய்
கொய்யாது குவியாது குமையாது மணம் வீசும்
கோமளத் தெய்வ மலரே
கோவாத முத்தமே குறயாத மதியமே
கோடாத மணி விளக்கே
ஐயநநங் கொண்ண திலலையம் மருவும்
அண்ணலார் மகிழும் மணியே
அகிலாண்டமும் சராசரமும் ஈன்றருள் பர
சிவானந்த வல்லி உமையே
நீறணிந்து ஒளிர் அக்க மணிதரித்து உயர்
சைவ நெறி நின்று உனக்குரிய வோர்
நிமலமுறும் ஐந்தெழுத்துள்நிலையுறக் கொண்டு
நின்னடி பூசை செய்து
வீறணிந்து என்றும் ஒரு தன்மை பெறும் சிவ
ஞான வித்தகர் பதம் பரவும் ஒர்
மெய்ச்செல்வ வாழ்க்கையின் விருப்பமுடையேன்
இது விரைந்தருள வேண்டும் அமுதே
பேறணிந்து அயன் மாலும் இந்திரனும் அறி
வறிய பெருமையை அணிந்த அமுதே
பிரச மலர் மகள் கலைசொல் மகள் விசய மகள்
முதல் பெண்கள் சிரமேவு மணியே
ஆறிணிந்திடு சடையார் தில்லை யம்பதி மருவும்
அண்ணலார் மகிழ மணியே
அகிலாண்டமும் சரா சரமும் ஈன்றருள்
பரசிவானந்த உமையே
பதியுண்டு நிதியுண்டு புத்திரர்கள் மித்திரர்கள்
பக்க முண்டெக் காலமும்
பவிசுண்டு தவிசுண்டு திட்டாந்த மாக யம
படரெனுந்திமிர மணுகாக்
கதியுண்டுஞானமாங் கதிருண்டு சதிருண்டு
காயசித் திகளுமுண்டு
கறையுண்ட கண்டர்பா லம்மை நின்றருளிற்
கருத்தொன்று முண்டாகுமேல்
நதியுண்ட கடலேனச் சமயத்தை யுண்டபர
ஞான வானந்த வொளியே
நாதாந்த ரூபமே வேதாந்த மோனமே
நானெனு மகந்தை தீர்த்தென்
மதியுண்ட மதியான மதிவதன வல்லியே
மதுசூதனன் தங்கையே
வரை ரஜானுக் கிருகண் மணியா புதித்த மலை
வளர்காதலிப் பெணுமையே
பூரணி புராதனி சுமங்கலை சுதந்தரி
புராந்தகீ த்ரியம்பகீ யெழிற்
புங்கவி விளங்கு சிவ சங்கரி சகஸ்ரதள
புட்பமிசை வீற்றிருக்கு
நாரணி மனாதீத நாயகி குணாதீத
நாதாந்த சக்தி யென்றுன்
நாமமேயுச்சரித்திடு மடியர் நாமமே
நானுச்சரிக்க வசமோ
வாரணி சடைக் கடவுளாரணி யெனப் புகழ
அகிலாண்ட கோடி யீன்ற
அன்னையே பின்னையுங் கன்னியென மறைபேசு
மானந்த ரூபமயிலே
வாரணியுமிரு கொங்கை மாதர் மகிழ கங்கைபுகழ்
வளமருவு தேவையரசே
வரை ரஜானுக் கிருகண் மணியாயுதித்த மலை
வளர் காதலிப்பெணுமையே.
(தாயுமானவர்).
தாயுமானவர் வழிபாடு- கப்பிரசவம் ஆக ..
ஹே சங்கர ஸ்மரஹர ப்ரமதாதி நாதரி மன்னாத ஸாம்ப சசிசூட
அரதிரிசூலின் சம்போ சுகப்பிரசவ கிருத்பவமே தயாளோ
ஹேமாதவி வனேச பாளையமாம் நமஸ்தே
ஹிமவத் யுத்தரே பார்ச்வே ஸுரதா நாம யக்ஷினி
தஸ்யா ஸ்மரண மாத்ரேண விசல்யா கர்ப்பிணீபவேது

Sri Naganadhaswamy temple in Nandhi Koil street, near Theppakulam/ Rockfort is another famous one Swayambu linga known as Naganadhaswamy with Anandhavalli ambikai are 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.

Krishna temple is a small temple for Krishna with a separate sanctum for Anjaneya.

Nandhi - huge Nandhi belongs to the Rockfort Thayumanavar temple.

Nandrudayan temple at East Boulevard road in Devadhanam has 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.


Srirangam

Srirangam (Tamil: ஸ்ரீரங்கம் or திருவரங்கம்), is an island. The presiding deity Lord Ranganathar "Nam-Perumal" (our Lord in Tamil), "Azhagiya Manavalan" (The beautiful groom in Tamil), while His divine wife Ranganayaki is affectionately called "Thayar" (Holy Mother)

Vishnu - Renganatha

ஓம் நாராயணாய வித்மஹே வாசுதேவாய தீமஹீ |
தன்னோ விஷ்ணு ப்ரசோதயாத்

ஓம் நமோ பகவதே வாசுதேவாய தன்வந்தரயேஅம்ருதகலச ஹஸ்தாய
சர்வாமய விநாசனாய த்ரைலோக்யநாதாய ஸ்ரீ மஹாவிஷ்ணவே நம

குடதிசை முடியைவைத்துக் | குணதிசை பாதம் நீட்டி
வடதிசை பின்பு காட்டித் | தென்திசை இலங்கைநோக்கி
கடல்நிறக் கடவுள் எந்தை | அரவணைத் துயிலுமா கண்டு
உடல் எனக்கு உருகுமாலோ| என்செய்கேன் உலகத்தீரே

Renganatha Nama Pooja

(1) ஓம் ஸ்ரீ ரங்கநாதாய நம:
(2) ஓம் ஸ்ரீரங்கப்ரம்ம ஸம்ஜ்ஞிதாய நம:
(3) ஓம் சேஷபர்யங்க சயநாய நம:
(4) ஓம் ஸ்ரீநிவாஸ புஜாந்தராய நம:
(5) ஓம் ஸ்ரீ பூமி ஸஹிதாய நம:
(6) ஓம் புருஷாய நம:
(7) ஓம் ஸநாதநாய நம:
(8) ஓம் வாஸுதேவாய நம:
(9) ஓம் ஸ்ரீநாதாய நம:
(10) ஓம் தேவசிகாமணயே நம:
(11) ஓம் ஸ்ரீரங்க நாயகாய நம:
(12) ஓம் ஸ்ரீரங்கநாயிகீ கேசாய நம:
(13) ஓம் நித்யமங்கள தாயகாய நம:
(14) ஓம் இக்ஷ்வாகு பூஜிதபதாய நம:
(15) ஓம் விபீஷணார்ச்சிதபதாய நம:
(16) ஓம் லங்காராஜ்ய வரப்ரதாய நம:
(17) ஓம் காவேரி மத்யநிலயாய நம:
(18) ஓம் ஸ்ரீரங்காதிபதயே நம:
(19) ஓம் ஸ்ரீமத்ரங்க மஹாநிதயே நம:
(20) ஓம் ஸ்ரீரங்கபரப்ரஹ்மணே நம:

Renganatha Ashtothram

1) ஓம் ஸ்ரீ ரங்கநாதாய நம:
2) ஓம் தேவேசாய நம:
3) ஓம் ஸ்ரீரங்க ப்ரம்ம ஸம்ஜ்ஞிதாய நம:
4) ஓம் சேஷ பர்யங்க சயநாய நம:
5) ஓம் ஸ்ரீநிவாஸ புஜாந்தராய நம:
6) ஓம் இந்த்ர நீலோத்பல ச்யாமாய நம:
7) ஓம் புண்டரீக நிபே க்ஷணாய நம:
8) ஓம் ஸ்ரீவத்ஸலா ஞ்சிதாய நம:
9) ஓம் ஹாரிணே நம:
10) ஓம் வநமாலிநே நம:
11) ஓம் ஹலாயுதாய நம:
12) ஓம் பீதாம்பர தராய நம:
13) ஓம் தேவாய நம:
14) ஓம் வராய நம:
15) ஓம் நாராயணாய நம:
16) ஓம் ஹரயே நம:
17) ஓம் ஸ்ரீ பூமி ஸஹிதாய நம:
18) ஓம் புருஷாய நம:
19) ஓம் மஹாவிஷ்ணவே நம:
20) ஓம் ஸநாதநாய நம:
21) ஓம் ஸிம்ஹாஸ நஸ்தாய நம:
22) ஓம் பகவதே நம:
23) ஓம் வாஸு தேவாய நம:
24) ஓம் ப்ரபா வ்ருதாய நம:
25) ஓம் கந்தர்ப்ப கோடி லாவண்யாய நம:
26) ஓம் கஸ்தூரி திலகோ ஜ்லாய நம:
27) ஓம் அச்யுதாய நம:
28) ஓம் சங்க சக்ர கதா பத்ம ஸுரக்ஷித சதுர்ப்புஜாய நம:
29) ஓம் ஸ்ரீமத் ஸுந்தர ஜாமாத்ரே நம:
30) ஓம் ஸ்ரீநாதாய நம:
31) ஓம் தேவசிகா மணயே நம:
32) ஓம் ஸ்ரீரங்க நாயகாய நம:
33) ஓம் லக்ஷ்மீ வல்லபாய நம:
34) ஓம் தேஜஸாம் நிதயே நம:
35) ஓம் ஸர்வ சர்ம ப்ரதாய நம:
36) ஓம் அஹீசாய நம:
37) ஓம் ஸாமகாந ப்ரியோத் ஸவாய நம:
38) ஓம் அம்ருதத் வப்ரதாய நம:
39) ஓம் நித்யாய நம:
40) ஓம் ஸர்வ ப்ரபவே நம:
41) ஓம் அரிந்தமாய நம:
42) ஓம் ஸ்ரீபத்ர குங்குமா லிப்தாய நம:
43) ஓம் ஸ்ரீமூர்த்தயே நம:
44) ஓம் சித்தரஞ்ஜிதாய நம:
45) ஓம் ஸர்வ லக்ஷண ஸம்பந்னாய நம:
46) ஓம் சாந்தாத்மனே நம:
47) ஓம் தீர்த்த நாயகாய நம:
48) ஓம் ஸ்ரீரங்கநாயிகீ கேசாய நம:
49) ஓம் யக்ஞ மூர்த்தயே நம:
50) ஓம் ஹிரண் மயாய நம:
51) ஓம் ப்ரணவாகார ஸதநாய நம:
52) ஓம் ப்ரணார்த்த ப்ரதாயகாய நம:
53) ஓம் கோதா ப்ராணேச்வராய நம:
54) ஓம் ஸ்ரீ கிருஷ்ணாய நம:
55) ஓம் ஜகந் நாதாய நம:
56) ஓம் ஜயப்ரதாய நம:
57) ஓம் நிசுளா புரவல்லீசாய நம:
58) ஓம் நித்ய மங்களதாயகாய நம:
59) ஓம் கந்தஸ் தம்பத்வ யோல்லாஸி காயத்ரீ ரூப மண்டபாய நம:
60) ஓம் ப்ருத்ய வர்க்க சரண்யாய நம:
61) ஓம் பலபத்ர ப்ரஸாதகாய நம:
62) ஓம் வேதச்ருங்க விமானஸ்தாய நம:
63) ஓம் வ்யாக் ராஸுர நிஷூதநாய நம:
64) ஓம் கருடா நந்த ஸேநேச கஜவக்த்ராதி ஸேவிதாய நம:
65) ஓம் சங்கர ப்ரிய மாஹாத்மநே நம:
66) ஓம் ச்யாமாய நம:
67) ஓம் சந்தநு வந்திதாய நம:
68) ஓம் பாஞ்சராத் ரார்ச்சிதாய நம:
69) ஓம் அநேக பக்த நேத்ரோத்ஸவ ப்ரதாய நம:
70) ஓம் கலசாம் போதிநிலயாய நம:
71) ஓம் க்ஷீராம்போதி நிலயாய நம:
72) ஓம் கமலாஸந பூஜிதாய நம:
73) ஓம் ஸநந்த நந்த ஸ்நக ஸுத்ராமா மரஸேவிதாய நம:
74) ஓம் ஸத்ய லோகபராவாஸாய நம:
75) ஓம் சக்ஷஷே நம:
76) ஓம் அஷ்டாக்ஷராய நம:
77) ஓம் அவ்யாய நம:
78) ஓம் இக்ஷ்வாகு பூஜித பதாய நம:
79) ஓம் வஸிஷ்டாதி ஸ்துதாய நம:
80) ஓம் அநகாய நம:
81) ஓம் ராகவா ராதிதாய நம:
82) ஓம் ஸ்வாமிநே நம:
83) ஓம் ராமாய நம:
84) ஓம் ராஜேந்த்ர வந்திதாய நம:
85) ஓம் விபீஷணார்ச்சித பதாய நம:
86) ஓம் லங்காராஜ்ய வரப்ரதாய நம:
87) ஓம் காவேரி மத்ய நிலயாய நம:
88) ஓம் கல்யாணபுர வாஸ்து காய நம:
89) ஓம் தர்மவர்மாதி சோளேந்த்ர பூஜிதாய நம:
90) ஓம் புண்ய கீர்த்தநாய நம:
91) ஓம் புருஷாத்தம க்ருதஸ்தாநாய நம:
92) ஓம் பூலோக ஜன பாக்யதாய நம:
93) ஓம் அக்ஞானத மனர் ஜ்யோதிஷே நம:
94) ஓம் அர்ஜூன பரிய ஸாரதயே நம:
95) ஓம் சந்த்ர புஷ்கரிணீ நாதாய நம:
96) ஓம் சண்டாதி தவார பாலகாய நம:
97) ஓம் குமுதாதி பரீவாராய நம:
98) ஓம் பாண்ட்யஸா ரூப்ய தாயகாய நம:
99) ஓம் ஸப்தாவரண ஸம்வீத ஸதநாய நம:
100) ஓம் ஸுர போஷகாய நம:
101) ஓம் நவநீத சுபாஹாராய நம:
102) ஓம் விஹாரிணே நம:
103) ஓம் நாரத ஸ்துதாய நம:
104) ஓம் ரோஹிணீ ஜன்ம தாரகாய நம:
105) ஓம் கார்த்திகேய வரப்ரதாய நம:
106) ஓம் ஸ்ரீரங்காதிபதயே நம:
107) ஓம் ஸ்ரீமதே நம:
108) ஓம் ஸ்ரீமத்ரங்க மஹாநிதயே நம:
ஓம் ஸ்ரீரங்கபரப்ரஹ்மணே நம:

Renganatha Ashtagam

ஸப்த ப்ரகர மத்யெ | ஸரஸிஜ முக்லோத்ப ஸாமநெ | விமானே |
கவேரி மத்ய தேஸெ | பநிபதி ஸயநெ | ஸெஷ பர்யங்க பாகெ |
நித்ர முத்ரபி ராமம் | கடிநிகத ஸிரபர்ஸ்வ | விண்யஸ்த ஹஸ்தம் |
பத்மதத்ரே கரப்யம் | பரிசித சரணம் | ரங்கராஜம் பஜெஹம்.
Salute that Lord of Ranga, in the yogic pose, on Adhisesha, below the tall dome (Vimana), Which resembles a lotus bud , surrounded by seven ramparts, And which is in between Kaveri and kollidam rivers, With his right hand near his crown, his lotus like merciful left hand, Pointing towards his feet which takes care of us all.

ஆநந்த ரூபே | நிஜபொத ரூபே |ப்ரஹ்ம ஸ்வரூபெ | ஸ்ருதி மோர்தி ரூபே |
ஸஸாங்க ரூபே | ரமணீய ரூபே | ஸ்ரி ரங்க ரூபே | நமதா நமாமிநமாமி
His form is the epitome of happiness, the true knowledge, as told in the Vedas, and is of the form of the comforting moon and beautiful

கவெரிதீரே கருணா விலோலே | மந்தார மூலே | த்ருதசாரு கீலே|
தைத்யாந்த காலே | அகிலலோக லீலே | ஸ்ரிரங்க லீலே | நமதா நமாமிநமாமி
Ranga on the banks of river Kaveri, dispenses mercy, below the Mandhara tree, Where he speedily and prettily plays. He destroys all asuras, b his play spread over the whole universe.

லக்ஷ்மி நிவாஸே | ஜகதான் நிவாஸே | ஹ்ருதபத்ம வாஸே | ரவிபிம்ப வாஸே |
க்ருப நிவாஸே | குணவ்ருந்த வாஸே |ஸ்ரிரங்க வாஸே நமதா நமாமிநமாமி
In whom goddess Lakshmi lives, abode of the universe, lotus of our heart, lives in the face of the Sun. abode of mercy, and lives where good conduct lives.

ப்ரஹ்மாதி வந்த்யே | ஜகதேக வந்த்யே | முகுந்த வந்த்யே | ஸுரநாத வந்த்யே |
வ்யாஸாதி வந்த்யே | ஸநகாதி வந்த்யே | ஸ்ரிரங்க வந்த்யே | நமதா நமாமிநமாமி
Venerated by gods like Brahma, venerated by the entire universe, venerated as Mukunda, venerated by lord of devas, worshipped by sages like Vyasa and Sanaka.

ப்ரஹ்மாதி ராஜே | கருடாதி ராஜே | வைகுண்ட ராஜே ||ஸுரராஜ ராஜே |
த்ரிலொக்ய ராஜே | அகிலலோக ராஜே | ஸ்ரி ரங்க ராஜே | நமதா நமாமிநமாமி
King gods like Brahma, holy bird , Garuda, king of Vaikunta, king of the king of devas, king of the three worlds, the king of the entire universe.

அமோக முத்ரே | பரிபூர்ண நித்ரே | ஸ்ரியோக நித்ரே | ஸஸமுத்ர நித்ரே |
ஸ்ரிதைக பத்ரே | ஜகதேக நித்ரே | ஸ்ரிரங்க பத்ரே | நமதா நமாமிநமாமி
Never failing Who is in perfect sleep, Yogic sleep, on the ocean, takes care of goddess Lakshmi, and in whom the whole world sleeps

ஸ்ரிசித்த சாயீ | புஜகேந்த்ர சாயீ | நாதார்க சாயீ | கமலாங்க சாயீ
க்ஷீராப்தி சாயீ | வடபத்ர சாயீ | ஸ்ரிரங்க சாயீ | நமதா நமாமிநமாமி
Sleeps in the city of Sri Ranga, pretty as a picture, sleeps on the king of serpents, on the lap of Nanda, on the lap of Lakshmi, on the ocean of milk, and on the banyan leaf.

நீலாம்ப்த வர்ணே | புஜாபூர்ண கர்ணே | கர்ணந்த நேத்ரே | கமலா கலத்ரே|
ஸ்ரிவல்லி ரங்கே | ஜிதமல்ல ரங்கே | ஸ்ரி ரங்க ராஜே | நமதா நமாமிநமாமி
Blue coloured, lovely hands and attractive eyes, lotus scented, laxmis’s pride, all jeevas abode

கன்னத்ரமாதே | நரகப்ரமாதே | பக்திப்ரமாதே | ஜகதாதி காதே|
அநாதநாதே | ஜகதேகநாதே |ஸ்ரி ரங்க நாதே |நமதா நமாமிநமாமி
All can reach him by devotion, great Ranga in grand city which is still in my eyes

ஸேஷாத்ரி வாஸே | பணிபோக சாயீ | அம்போதி சாயீ | ரங்கே முகுந்தே
ழுதிதார விந்தே | கோவிந்த தேவே | கிலதேவ தேவே | நமதா நமாமிநமாமி
Lord of seshdhri hills, all serving you, last resort of every one, best among gems, called by every one as favourite name govinda, worshipped by devas

பக்தி ஸ்வரூபெ | ஸ்ரிகாந்தி ரூபே | ஸுகயோக நித்ரே | விதேஹ்ய நித்ரே | விஷயாஸ முத்ரே | பத்மாதி ராஜே | விரிஞ்சி ராஜே நமதா நமாமிநமாமி
Your form worthy of devotion, attractive look, in comfortable yogic sleep, special sleep, unique and powerful symbol, lotus throne, king of all

குலந்தரும் செல்வம் தந்திடும் | அடியார் படுதுயராயின வெல்லாம்
நிலந்தரம் செய்யும்| நீள்விசும் பருளும் | அருளொடு பெருநிலம் அளிக்கும்
வலந்தரும் மற்றுந் தந்திடும் | பெற்ற தாயினும் ஆயின செய்யும்
நலந்தரும் சொல்லை நான் கண்டு கொண்டேன் | நாராயணா என்னும் நாமம்
Your name will give everything wealth, health … Luckily I have found the secret for obtaining all good things, your name

அடியார்கள் வாழ! அரங்க நகர் வாழ! ஆழ்வார் தமிழ் நூல் வாழ!
கடல் சுழ்ந்த மண் ணுலகம் வாழ! உலகத்தார் வாழ!!!


Thiruvanaikaval

Thiruvanaikaval or Thiruvanaikoil is known for Jambukeswarar Temple 'Jambu' forest . Devi made a Lingam out of water of river Cauvery (also called as river 'Ponni') under the 'Venn Naaval' tree (the Venn Naaval tree on top of the saint Jambu) and commenced her worship. So, the Lingam is known as 'Appu Lingam' (Water Lingam). The Shiva Lingam is placed under the Venn naaval tree in this temple, which is said to be many hundred years old.

Thiru Anai(Elepahant) Kaval (Guard) - Guarded by the Elephant. (After the elephant which is believed to have worshipped Lord Siva here) This is a Jalagandeswarar temple of Lord Shiva and a Panchabhoota Sthalams (five elements). This temple represents the element Water. The Sivalingam is partially submerged by water ever and meant to represent God form as water. This temple is one of the biggest stone temple in Tamil Nadu. Five Pragarams, many Gopurams and Lot of Sannidhis are found in this temple. A lot of sculptural wonders like Rishabavaganar, Durga, Lord Muruga, Ganapathy, Ruthran Sculpture are present in temple's stone pillars. The outer wall (Thiruneerittan Mathil) is 5km long, 10 metres high.

Thiruvanaikal is one of the five major Shiva Temples of Tamil Nadu(Panchabhoota Sthalams) representing the the element of water, or neer in Tamil. The other Panchabhoota Sthalams are located at Chidambaram (sky/ space), Kalahasti (wind), Tiruvannamalai (fire) and Kanchipuram (earth).

Legend: * Two sivakanams Pushpathanthan and Maliavaan were born under the influence of a curse as an elephant and a spider. 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. The elephant worshipped this linga daily with flowers and water brought in its trunk (hence the name Thiru Aanaikka). The spider spun a web around the linga in order to shield it from the tree wastes and keep it clean. The next day, elephant saw the web and since it was from the saliva of the spider, it removed the web to protect the sanctity of the linga. This practice of the spider spinning a web and the elephant removing it continued for several days. One day, the spider found out that it was the elephant that was removing its web, went inside the trunk of the elephant and bit it. The elephant hit its trunk on the floor and in the process both died. Since Pushpathanthan, born as elephant, 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. So when he built the temple, he built it in such a way that elephants can not enter the temple. The ground level goes down and down at every praharam so that an elephant with all its weight can not enter the temple. Kochenkan built 70 Maadakkovils and all the temples will be at an elevated height or at a depth. * Worshipped by Brahma, Vishnu, Ramar, Thigbalahar, Sage Sambu, Parasaran etc., * It is said that Ranganadhar stayed at Srirangam only to worship Jambugeswarar of this temple. Accordingly, Ranganadhar come and stay here one day in an year and return with special alankaram. * 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. It is said that while constructing the temple walls, Shiva came as a Siddhar and gave away holy ash as the wages for the workers which turned into gold proportionate to their wages. This particular 4th prahara wall is called ‘Thiruneetru Madhil’ and it is a whopping 8000 feet long (2436 x 1493 feet), 35 feet high and 6 feet thick. The east facing Rajagopuram is 13 tiered and the west facing rajagopuram is 7 tiered. * 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. We have to worship the Lord only through these 9 holes which is considered equivalent to a dip in all the 9 theerthams. * One of the five elements of nature, “water” is represented by an undying natural spring down the Shiva lingam in the sanctum, seen even today and hence the name Jalakandeeswarar. * Sambandhar, Navukkaarasar and Sundarar sang hymns on Shiva of this place. Arunagirinadhar sang Thiruppugazh on Subramanya of this place. * Ambal worshipped Shiva here and so even now Archakas worship Shiva wearing saree during the noon pooja. * Cow worship and annabhishehams are taking place daily * The earring of goddess is known as Thadangam. Sankaracharya controlled her anger and contained it in the earrings as Chakras. One is Shiva Chakra and the other is Srichakra. * There are many sub temples in various praharams within the temple Theertham: There are totally 9 Theerthams – Cauvery, Brahma, Indra, Chandra, Rama, Agni, Agsthya, kollidam and Surya. Sthala Vruksham: Jambu (white naaval) tree.


அகிலாண்டேஸ்வரி (ஜம்புகேஸ்வரர்) ஸ்தோத்திரம்
பிரம்மதேவனால் செய்யப்பட்டது
அஷ்டமே க்ஷேத்ரமாகத்ய கஜாரண்யம் கிரேஸ்ஸுதா
கிலால லிங்கம் ஸம்ஸ்தாப்ய பூஜயாமாஸ ஸாதரம்
பிரம்ஹோவாச
நமோஸ்து ஸெளவர்க மஹீருஹோத்கர
ப்ரஸூன ஸெளரப்யநிரந்தராளகே
நமோஸ்து ஸப்தாஷ்ட கலாத்மஸீதருக்
விடம்பநாசுஞ்சுரபாலபட்டிகே
நமோஸ்து காருண்யஸுதா தரங்கிணீ
சரிஷ்ணுமீநாயிதசாரு வீக்ஷணே
நமோஸ்து தாடங்க லஸன்மணிப்ரபா
நிகாய நீராஜிதகண்டபாலிகே
நமோஸ்து பந்தூக லதாந்தவித்ரும
ப்ரவாள பிம்பீபலபாடலாதரே
நமோஸ்து மந்தஸ்மித மாதுரீஸுதா
ரீபரீக்ஷõளமுகேந்துமண்டலே
நமோஸ்து புஷ்பாயுத வீரவிக்ரம
ப்ரதாஸமுத்கோஷண ஸங்கசுந்தரே
நமோஸ்து ஹாராவளி ஜன்ஸுகன்யகா
பரிஷ்க்ருதா போககுசக்ஷமாதரே
நமோஸ்து கந்தர்பஹரோகூஹன
ப்ரமோதரோமாஞ்சிதபாஹுவல்லிகே
நமோஸ்து வைபோதிக ஸோணவாரிஜ
ப்ரபாஸத்ருக்ஷச்சவிபாணிபல்லவே
நமோஸ்து துங்கஸ்தன பாரதுர்யதா
ஸமுன்மிஷத்கார்ஸ்ய மனோக்ஞமத்யமே
நமோஸ்து பூதேசஜயார்த்தஸம்ப்ரம
ஸ்மராக்னிகுண்டாயிதநாபிமண்டலே
நமோஸ்து விஸ்தர்ண நிதம்பமண்டலீ
ரதாங்கசக்ரப்ரமிதேஸமானஸே
நமோஸ்து லக்ஷ்மீரணாதிதேவதா
ஸமுத்கரோத்தம்ஸித பாதபங்கஜே
நமோஸ்து நிர்ணித்ரஸிதேதராம்புஜ
ப்ரபோபமேயாங்க மரீசிமஞ்சரி
நமோஸ்து நம்ராபிமதப்ரதாயிகே
நமோ நமஸ்தே த்வகிலாண்டநாயிகே
தேவதேவஸ்யமஹதோ தேவஸ்ய க்ருஹமேதிநி
மயா பாக்யவஸாத் த்ருஷ்டா பவதீ மத்தப: பலம்
கஸ்மாதேதாவதீம் பூமிம் ஆகதா த்வம் ஹரப்ரியே
த்வத்தர்ஸனேந நியதம் பூததாஸ்மஸுத்ருஸ்யதே
அத்யாத்வரபலம் த்ருஷ்டம் அத்ய வித்யாப்ரயோஜனம்
அத்யைவ தபஸஸ: ஸித்தி : தேவித்வத்தர்ஸனான்மம
அகம்யம் வேதஸிரஸாம் அப்ராப்யம் ஸாஸ்த்ரஸம்பதாம்
ஆகமாநாஞ்ச துஷ்ப்ரபாம் தவஸர்வாணி தர்சனம்
அநேகதீர்த்தநிலயாத் ஆகாரிததப: பலாத்
தேவர்ஷிமானஸோல்லாஸகைலாஸாந்நாஸ்திதத்பதம்
பக்தாநுகம்பாஸுலபம் பவானிஸஸிஸேகரம்
அவிநாபாவரஸிகம் விநாத்வம் கதமாகதா.

Other Trichy Temples

Boologanathar Temple at East Boulevard road belongs to the Land element. It is a vasthu temple

Velikanda Nathar at Palakarai

Kailasanathar at Big bazaar street

Ayyappan temple-Near Trichy junction/ court. 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. 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 Near Trichy Junction and Anjaneyar is carved out on a small stone which was to the road side initially.

Kasi Viswanathar Temple at Keela Chinthamani

Sri Anna Kamatchiamman Temple presiding deity is Anna kamatchi amman, considered by many as a replica of Akilandeshwari amman.

Vekkaliamman Temple - 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. Shiva got angry just saw towards the direction of Woriyur. The whole village got covered with mud (sand storm) due to the anger of Shiva. Vekkaliamman, the protector Goddess of that place was worried and prayed to Shiva to calm down. She protected the people from further anger of Shiva and thereafter stayed there taking care of the people who come to Her. There is no roof for the sanctum sanctorum. Many times they attempted to roof it but they could not succeed.

Woriyur was the ancient capital of the early Cholas and the ancient city is believed to have been destroyed by a sand storm. Pugazh Chola Nayanar and Gochenkan Cholan were born here, as was Tiruppaanaazhwar. Thirukkozhi Kamalavalli Nachiyar Temple – is called Nachiar Koil Significances: * One of 108 Divya desams; 2nd Divya desam after Srirangam * Kamalavalli Thayar in bridal form; * Birth place of Thiruppanazhwar, the author of Amalanadipiran (the celebrated paasuram describing the glory of the image of Ranganadhar, at Srirangam). 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. He took the child, named her Kamalavalli – the one that came out of lotus, and took care of her. Lord Ranganadhar, wanting to marry the princess, appeared in the dream of the King and asked his daughter to be married to Him. The King was delighted on Lord Ranganadhar going to become his son-in-law and arranged for the marriage. Kamalavalli Thayar, dressed as the bride, vanished as she entered the sanctum of Lord Ranganadhar. To commemorate the marriage, the King built this temple at Woriyur facing North towards Srirangam. 2) A valiant rooster, believed to have warded off an elephant with it’s beak, here at Woraiyur; the name Thirukkozhi (Mookkeeswaram) stems from this legend. Temple: The temple was in existence even before 7th century. There is no Utsava vigraha in this temple and the Utsava vigraha of Srirangam Ranganadha temple is being brought here during the Kalyana Utsavam. Upon entering the temple, one encounters a large mandapam with pillars ornamented with exquisite sculptures. Thiruppanazwar is present here in a separate sanctum. The inner walls of the shrine of Nammazhvar has brilliant wall paintings

Thiru Mukkichuram Thevara Temple 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, Spatika Lingam at noon, Gold Lingam in the afternoon, Diamond Lingam at night and Chitra Lingam later at midnight) and so He is known as Pancha Varneswarar. * Brahma also had the same dharshan of Shiva. * Woraiyur is also known as Kozhimanagaram as legend holds that a fowl blessed with divine powers defeated an elephant in a duel. Once, the Chola King Veera vathithan went on his horse in search of a good place for constructing a Shiva temple. All of a sudden the elephant started behaving weird and every one was frightened. King was unable to control and he cried loud for help from Shiva. At this time a cock flew down, hit the elephant and took control of it. Soon after this the cock disappeared near a vilva tree. King was surprised and asked his men to dig and see near the tree. They found a Shiva linga and the king constructed this temple in the same place. The linga is known as Panchalingeswarar.

* A Chola king by name Soora Vathitha saw the five daughters of Nagarajan worshipping a Shivalingam each, on the banks of the Nagatheertham. He married the youngest of these princesses and requested his father in law for the Shivalingam that was held in worship by Nagarajan. Nagarajan handed over a half of the Shivalingam to his daughter, who in turn handed it along with the five Shivalingams worshipped by the siblings; all of these merged into one under a Vilva tree, under which, this temple originated. * Garuda, the wife and son of Sage Kasipari namely Kathru and Karkotakan worshipped here. * Kochenkan Cholan the builder of 78 Maadakkovils is said to have born here. Sthala Vruksham: Vilvam Theertham: Shiva theertham or Panchavarna Theertham Sung by: Sambandhar The Temple: The Shivalingam here is very small in size. The temple is replete with sculptural work depicting legends associated with the temple. 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. The temple has the significance that the kings of all the three regions – Chera, Chola and Pandya – worshipped here. Thaanthondreeswarar temple, Woriyur Main Deity: Thaanthondrieswarar and Kumkumavalli amman

Uyyakondan Thirumalai (Thiru karkudi) Thevara Temple 3 kms from Trichy, 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. When he came here, he was completing his 16th year and so Yama came to end his life. Goddess requested Shiva to bless Markandeya as ‘Chiranjeevi’ and Shiva did so. It’s a belief that one who worships Shiva here, will not have the fear of death. Naradhar, Sage Upamanyu, Karan, the army chief of Ravana had worshipped here Temple: The temple, resembling a small fort, was built by Nandhivarma Pallavan 1200 years ago on a 50 feet high hillock with about 100 steps to climb. There are three entrances – two facing South and the other facing East. The main deity is facing West and there are two shrines for the Goddesses here. It is said that when we sit and pray here on our problems for half hour/ 45 minutes, we will get a clear solution and are bound to come back to the place. Navakkuarasar, Sambandhar and Sundarar sang Thevara hymns on Shiva of this place; Arunagiri nadhar sang Thiruppugazh. In the 18th century, this was the fort and place of residence for British, French and Mysore army. Sthala vruksham: Vilvam Theertham: Kudamuruti and Gyanavavi

Kulumayee Amman Temple, A very popular amman temple nearby Uyyakondan Thirumalai temple in a cool and beautiful atmosphere.

Murugan temple at Kumara Vayalur, 5 kms from Uyyakondan malai; 8 kms from Trichy. Main Deity: Adhinadhar as Swayambu lingam with Adhinayaki amman. Significance: Murugar blessed Arunagirinadhar at Thiruvannamalai and asked him to come to Vayalur. Arunagirinadhar came here and acquired Gyana. With the blessings of Subramanya, Thirupugazh was started by Arunagiri nadhar in this place and the first line “muthai thiru” was hinted by Subramanaya swamy which was to be continued by Arunagirinadhar. He sang 18 Thiruppugazh verses on this Murugan. Subramanya swamy is worshipping his parents in this place. Vinayaka of this place, known as poia vinayakar blessed Arunagirinadhar.

Agastheeswarar Temple at Perungudi, In the Trichy-Kumara Vayalur route, 2 km from Somarasampettai Temple: This is connected with Kumara Vayalur Murugan temple and is a monument of Sundara Chola and Adithya II periods. Balasubramaniar is present with single face and four hands along with Devayani in standing posture. All the idols have been discovered from various places inside the temple.

Erumbeeswarar temple at Thiruverumbur, One of 275 sacred Shiva temples glorified by the Thevara hymns; a protected monument under the control of the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) 11 kms from Trichy and is known as Brahma puram, Kumara puram and Lakshimi puram. Main Deity: Erumbeeswrar/ Madhuvaneswarar with Soundranayaki/ Narun kuzhal nayagi amman. Legend: Brahma, Indra and all devas took the form of ant (Erumbu in Tamil) to hide from demons and worshipped Shiva in this place. Hence He is known as Erumbeeswarar and the name of the place is Thiru Erumbur. Temple: This early chola temple is on a small hillock of 120 feet high with 115 steps to reach the top. The Shiva lingam is slanting to one side as though He is giving ear to the worship of bakthas. The surface of the linga is coarse so as it is easy for the ants to move around. The linga is covered with mud and there is no abhishekam here. We can see the marks of ants creeping on the lingam. Soundarya nayaki amman is in a separate sanctum outside the main one.

Nithya Sundareswara swami Temple at Thirunedungalam, 5 kms north of Thuvakkudi junction near Thiruverumbur. Main Deity: Nedungalanadhar/ Anithya Sunderaswarar as Swayambu lingam with Mangala nayaki/ Oppila nayaki. Legend: Paraskathi meditated in this place and Shiva came in the form of a thief. Parvathi was frightened and hid herself in a garden of Thazhai plants at a place called Olimadhi cholai. Later Shiva took Parvathi to Kailash. Sage Agasthiar worshipped here This temple is of great antiquity and is included in the kshertavenba of the tamil saint, the Ayyadigal kadavarkon, who should be ascribed to the days before Appar and Sambandar. A rare Yoga Dakshinamoorthy is present here. 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. Sambandhar, Sundarar and Navukkuarasar sang hymns on Shiva of this place. Arunagiri Nadhar sang Thirupugazh on Murugar.

Kailasamundaiyar Temple at Cholamadevi,located amidst lush green paddy fields and sylvan surrounding on the northern banks of the Uyyakondan channel at Cholamadevi near Thiruverumbur, 12 km from Trichy. This shiva temple was built by Rajaraja I the Great in 11th century and is a treasure house of historic information.


Other Places around Trichy

Lalgudi

Lalgudi (Thiruthavathuri, now called Lalgudi, on the banks of river Coleroon , about 20 kms form Trichy. Significance: The seven rishis – Atri, Brihu, Pulsithar, Vasishtar, Gauthamar, 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. Main deity: Saptharisheeswarar as Swayambu lingam facing West with Perunthirattiar Legend: * Lord Vishnu got his Chakrayudha after worshipped Shiva here * Worshipped by Vishnu, Lakshmi, 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. As per Sekkizhar’s Periya puranam, Sambandhar had sung Thevaram on this Shiva but the Thevara verses have not been found so far

Sathyavageeswarar temple at Anbil Alanthurai – 8 kms from Lalgudi, on the northern banks of Coleroon (Kollidam); Anbil is just name of the place but temple is known as Alandhurai. One of 275 sacred Shiva temples glorified by the Thevara hymns Main Deity: Sathyavageeswarar and Soundranayaki amman in different sanctums. Legend: Vinayakar of this place is known as Sevisaiytha Vinayakar. The temple is on the northern bank of Kollidam and when Sambandhar sang hymns on Shiva from the southern bank, He was giving his ear to the music. Brahma and Sage Vageesar worshipped Shiva of this place. Temple: Other deities in the temple are Bitchandar, Saptha kanniar, Kasi Viswanathar, Visalakshi, Bairavar, Subramanyar with Valli and Devayana. Sambandhar and Navakkuarasar sang hymns on Shiva of this place. Sthala Vruksham: Banyan tree. Theertham: Chandra theertham.

Thiru Vadivazhagiya Nambi Temple at Thiru Anbil – Divya desam have to cross Kallanai (Lower anaicut) to reach Thiru Anbil. Main Deity: Thiru Vadivazhagiya Nambi in lying posture with Thayar Azagiyavalli Nachiar in separate sanctums Legend: Manduka muni was meditating under the water, did not realise the presence of Durvasa muni and was cursed to take the form of a toad. When Manduka muni realised his mistake and asked Durvasa for relief, he was advised to come to this place and worship. 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. 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. Theertham: Mandooka pushkarani and Kollidam.

Ashta Buja Durgai at Anbil known as Mariamman is in Anbil.

Appakkudathaan temple at Thirupper Nagar – Divya desam Koyiladi near Lalgudi, 10 km from Lalgudi; 23 km from Thiruvaiyaru Significance: One of the 108 Divya desams Main deity: Appakkudattaan/ Appala Ranganathar with Thaayaar Indhra Devi and Kamala Devi A Pandya King, Uparisaravasar (Upamanyu Muni), while hunting a rogue elephant killed a Brahmin performing tapas, by mistake. Repenting for his act, he renounced his throne and wandered around, finally reaching this place. One day, Lord Shiva appeared in his dream and asked him to worship Lord Vishnu at this place to get rid of his Brahmaharthi dhosham. There upon, the king built a temple for Lord Vishnu and each day after worship, offered food together with appam and payasam to the Brahmins who came to his house. One day Vishnu appeared in the form of an aged guest and pleaded with the King to feed him. His supply of cooked rice exhausted for the day, the distraught King sought a way out and fed the elderly guest with the appams. At that time, Markandeya rishi was directed by Shiva to this place to seek refuge in Lord Vishnu for longevity of life. Markandeya came here and saw the old Brahmin lying on the couch holding an appa kudam in one hand. Markandeya bowed to him 100 times and Lord Vishnu regaining His original form, lifted his hand from the appa kudam and blessed Markandeya with longevity. He also blessed the King and absolved of his curse.

The temple: This is one of the Pancha Ranga Kshetrams along with Srirangapatnam in Karnataka, Srirangam, Kumbakonam and Mayiladuthurai along the course of river Cauvery. This temple is on a hillock by name Indragiri. With 2 prakarams, it covers an area of about 2.5 acres and has a Rajagopuram of great workmanship. In the West facing sanctum, we see Vishnu in a reclining posture, blessing Upamanya Muni, holding a pot containing appams and hence the name Appakkudattaan. Appam is prepared as a daily offering to the deity here. There is a separate shrine for Kamalavalli Thaayar in an east facing sanctum. There are also shrines for Ganesha, Nammazhwar, Ramanujar, Lakshmi Narayanar and Venugopalan. Inscriptions from the Pallava, Chola and Vijayanagara periods are seen here. It is believed that Nammazhwar recited the last of his paasurams here before departing the mortal world. Six worship services are offered each day. Tirumazhisai Alwar refers to seven shrines featuring Vishnu in a reclining position – Tirukkudandai, Tiruvegkaa, Tiruvallur, Tiruvarangam, Tiruppernagar, Anbil and Tirupparkadal – in a paasuram.

Ambravaneswara Temple at Thirumandhurai – Thevara temple 5 kms from Lalgudi, 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, Chandra, Indhra and Mrugandu muni worshipped Shiva of this place. Temple: Other deities present are Brahma, Vishnu, and Durgai as Koshta Gods; Subramanya Swamy with family and Dandaudhapani in separate small sanctums. Arunagiri nadhar sang Thirupugazh on Murugar here. Sambandhar sang hymns on Shiva in this place.

Thirumoolanadhar Thevara temple at Thirupalaithurai (Panayapuram), 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, Markendeyar, and Surya worshipped Siva in this place. Once Markendeya did not have milk to worship God and was worried. At that time Shiva blessed him and milk started pouring which is the reason for the name Palaithurai. Sun God also worshipped Shiva here. Temple: Nithya Kalyani Ammai is seen with four hands – Abaya, Varatha, Thamarai and Neelorpavam. Sambandhar sang hymns on Shiva of this place. Other shrines are Vinayahar, Murugan, Mahalakshmi, Bairavar, Venugopalan, Veena Dakshinamoorthy, Ardhanareeswarar, Durga, Nalvar, Kailasanadhar

Samavedeeswarar temple at Thiru mangalam, 2 kms north of Lalgudi 15th km from Trichy en route Ariyalur. Main Deity: Samavedeeswarar and Sri Lokhanayaki amman Significance: More than 2000 years old, The place is considered in equal sacredness to Kasi and Gaya. Legend: * Parasuramar, one of the ten avatars of Mahavishnu, worshipped Shiva in this place to get rid of his Mathruhathi dosha, the dosha he got because of killing his mother. The place is also known as Parasurama Kshetram. * 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. * 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. Temple: Dakashina moorthy is here with abhaya mudra. Subramanya swamy is known as Kalyana Subramanyar. As a unique thing, we can see Valli on peacock with Subramanya and Devayanai standing beside her. Arumuga peruman is seen with six faces and four hands as a Chatru samhara moorthy. This is the birth as well as the mukthi place of Anaya nayanar, one of the 63 Nayanmars. One Linga moortham that gave mukthi to nayanar is said to be growing. We see Anaya nayanar in separate sanctum. Anaya nayanar was good at flute and once when he was reciting flute and meditating, Shiva was very pleased with the music and gave mukthi to him at the same place. Durga here is Vishnu Durgai on Simha vahana. This ancient temple dates back to the period of Rajaraja. Theertham: Parasurama theertham. Sthala Vruksham: Jack fruit tree.

Mangalyeswarar temple at Edayathu mangalam

Thirumoola nadhar Shiva temple at Poovalur 20 kms from Trichy; 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. Manmadhan threw flower arrow on Lord Shiva in this place. So the place is called Poovalur. It is also known as Manmadha puram. * Sapdha rishis worshipped Shiva here and got the knowledge and so Shiva is also called Gnanapureeswarar. * Muni wanted to do ceremony for his ancestors. There was no river here so he wanted to do it in Gaya. He worshipped Shiva and He made Ganges to flow here by throwing His silambu. So this place is considered in equal sacredness to Gaya. * Brahma, Indran, Manamathan, 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. There is a sub-shrine for Vinayakar. This temple was sung by Saint Arunagirinathar. Subramanyar is seen with 12 hands sitting on his peacock. Sthala Vruksham: Vilvam. Theertham: Panguni river

Sri Aadhi Lakshmi Temple at Natham (Nandam), 12 kms from Lalgudi via Pinnavasal, Alangudi Mahajanam. It can also be reached via Pullampadi, Uvanar, RR-Venkatachalapuram (7 kms). Main Deity: Aadhi moola Perumal in lying posture and Aadhi lakshmi Thayar in different sanctums. Temple: We see an elephant named Gajendran near Perumal and the leg of the elephant is in the mouth of a crocodile. One hand of perumal is on the head of the elephant, relating to the Gajendra moksha. It is said that this is the place were Gajendra attained moksha. 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. The other deities we see here are Sridevi, Boodevi, Rama, Lakshmana, Seetha, Hanuman and Nandagopar idols. Theertham: Nandhi river, Gajendra Theertham and Sakkara Theertham

Sri Rajakesari Vinnagara Emperuman Temple at Kottamangalam, 1.5 km Kattur, which is 3 kms from Lalgudi. In this village, a ruined Shiva temple called Brahmesvara Udaiya Nayanar, an Ayyanar temple, a Pidari temple and a ruined Vishnu temple are also there.

Apradeeswarar temple at Nagar,near Lalgudi; 5 kms west of Poovalur. Main Deity: Swayambu linga known as Apradeeswarar with Athula Sundariamman/ Oppila maniammai in different sanctums. Temple: The temple is known as Pancha linga kshetram. The temple architect is Thillai Nayakan. Rajaraja Chola constructed the temple as per inscriptions. The other deities are Vadakailasa nadhar, Then kailasa nadhar, Bairavar, Suryan, Durgai, Chandikeeswarar, Nardhana Vinayakar, Dakshina moorthy, Thirumal & Brahma.

Sundareswarar temple at Thinniyam, 12 kms from Pullampadi. Main Deity: Sundareswarar and Periya nayaki ammai. Significance: Subramanaya swamy, Valli and Devayanai are on indivudual peacock which can be seen only in this place. A belief here is that wishes of one who visits the place are fulfilled.

Bitchandar koil (also called Uthamar Koil), About 7 kms fom Trichy, 2-3 kms from Srirangam Lord Brahma and Goddess Saraswathi facing South; Lord Vinshnu as Purushothama perumal in sayana posture and Goddess Pooranavalli Thayar facing east; Lord Shiva as Bitchandar facing west and Goddess Sondharya Parvathi/ Vadivudai Nayaki facing south.

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, Vishnu and Shiva and their consorts are present in 6 separate shrines. * Shiva appeared as Bitchadanar, a very significant one, out of his 63 moorthams. * Lord Brahma normally seen only as koshta moorthy in the outer prahara walls of the sanctum sanctorum is having a separate shrine here. * Goddess Saraswathi, seen in a separate temple only in Koothanur, is present here in a separate shrine with vimanam. * All the seven gurus – Brahma Guru, Vishnu Guru, Siva Guru, Sakthi Guru, Subramanaya Guru, Deva Guru, Asura Guru – are present 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, only Lord Dakshinamoorthy will be present as Lord Guru. So this is a very significant Temple for Guru Worship.

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, it got vanished immediately. At the behest of Perumal, Poornavalli thayar (Goddess Lakshmi) filled the vessel here to end Shiva’s hunger. That’s why Shiva is called Bitchandar (Bitchai – begging for food). As explained in Sivapuranam, Shiva took the form of Bitchandar only to teach the lesson to the rishis and their wives at Tharukavanam (Thirupparaithurai) near here. Worship benefits: * Since Lord Brahma got His privilege as the creator of all lives here, by worshipping Him, one is sure to get all his wants. * Since Goddess Lakshmi as Pooranavalli Thayar ended Shiva’s hunger here, by worshipping Her, one will be free from hunger and poverty and will be blessed with all ishwaryas. * By worshipping Goddess Saraswathi present in a separate sannidhi, one will be blessed with knowledge and education. * By worshipping Bitchadanar who ended the egos of the rishis, one will be free from their ego and bad wills.

Pandurangan temple at Then Pandaripuram, 6 kms from Srirangm near Utthamar koil Main Deity: Radha, Rukmani and Pandurangar Temple: This is a small temple and as in any Pandurangan temple, here also everyone is allowed to embrace the Pandurangan and pray. Prasadam given here is known as Pada doolhi or bukka which is like black mud. This is a private temple of 75 years old. The idol that is installed in the temple was taken from the well. This was identified by God to a devotee Parangkusa das in dream and was instructed to build this temple.

Sri Aadhi Marriamman temple at Enam Samayapuram, 16 kms from Trichy Chatram. The temple is a small one with two different sanctums of Aadhi marriamman in one compound. The idol in one temple is of Athhi maram (fig tree). They don’t do abishekam for this idol. The other one is stone to which they do abishekam. This temple should be visited before you visit the main Samapuram Marriamman of Kannanoor. Legend: Previously the idol was in Ranganadhar temple of Srirangam and it was removed from there and kept here.

Sri Marriamman temple at Samayapuram (Kannanoor), 15 kms from Trichy 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. On the way, they kept the idol on the ground for rest but could not take it back. So the villagers named Her as Kannanur Mariamman and Vijaya Ranga Chocka nadha Naicker constructed this temple. Temple: The temple is one of the most popular temples for Mariamman, a manifestation of the primeval energy Shakti as the Mother Goddess. The main mariamman idol is of medicinal herbs and so no abishekam is being done for it. There is a separate shrine for the Urchava (processional) idol to which the abhishekams are being done. On top of the entrance to the sanctum we can see Gajalakshmi idol and at the sanctum, the amman is present under an umbrella of five headed snake with eight hands, right foot stamping 3 demons and left foot bent slightly in a seated posture. At the back of the main sanctum we see the padam (foot print) of amman. Karuppanna Swamy, a local deity is also having a separate shrine.

Ujjain Kali amman temple at Makalikudi, 1 km south-east of Samayapuram temple. Legend: Vikramadhitya, king of Ujjain, used to take and do daily worship of the Kali idol of this temple wherever he goes. The small brass deity here is unique with 8 hands. The deity at the sanctum sanctorum is having the name of Sri Anandha Sowbhagya Sundari in standing posture having Pasam, Angusam, Soolam and Kabalam in four hands. Temple: The temple is facing north and has shrines for Madurai Veeran, Vedhalam, Sastha, Kamkshi amman, Srinivasa Perumal, Karuppanna Swamy. Icha Sakthi, Gnana Sakthi and Kriya Sakthi are present as koshta Gods.Sthala Vruksham: Makizham Theertham: Sakthi theertham is having many herbal powers and believed to cure mental diseases.

Sri Brahmapureeswarar temple at Thirupattur, Around 30 kms from Trichy in the Trichy-Chennai route; 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, 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 creator himself, was changed to good by Shiva. A turning point in one’s life can be expected by visiting this place. * There is an exclusive shrine for Brahma in the inner praharam. The idol is magnificent 6 feet high and 6.5 feet circumference and is seen in full turmeric (manjal) kappu always. Worshipping him is an amazing dharshan. * From the entrance to the sanctum sanctorum, there are 7 stages of steps indicating 7 days of a week. * The jeeva samadhi of Sage Pathanjali is in the inner praharam just opposite the Brahma’s shrine. * A beautiful temple with intricate sculptural works. * The Kailasanathar shrine constructed by the Pallavas on the lines of the Kailasanathar temple, Kancheepuram is a monument to be preserved for its heritage value. The big stone bull and the sudai sculptures here are worth visiting. * Here are shrines for twelve Lingas of Saivism. One shrine is dedicated to Mandooganathar with the Linga having a hole in memory of the frog that has worshipped him. * The temple tank is the oldest rain water harvesting tank and the ingenuity in the construction is laudable. Legend: After loosing his fifth head and all his powers including the privilege of creating lives, Brahma worshipped Shiva at various places. Here he worshipped with 12 lingams around and got the dharshan of Shiva under the Magizha tree. He got liberated from his punishment and also got back the privilege of creation. Another sacred place, the jeeva samadhi of Pulipani Siddhar is near this temple; the Sastha temple in ruins is nearby;

the Kasi Viswanathar temple construed by cholas with a sacred tank is a km away.

Masilamaneeswarar temple at Utrathur, about 3.2 kms south-east of Padalur, 34 kms from Trichy on the Trichy – Chennai highway. Significance: One of the Vaippu sthalams of Shiva Main Deity: Sundravaneyswarar/ Akilandeswari Suttha Rathneswarar as Swayambu lingam with Akhilandeswari. Legend: Nandhi river flowing in this region started from the mouth of Nandhi in this temple. Once Shiva here adjudged Ganges as the supreme among them and so ordered his vahana Nandhi to face her side instead of facing Him. Temple: This is an early Chola temple constructed by Rajaraja Chola and occupies an area of 5 acrea. The gopuram and a few mandapams have been constructed by Nayaks. We can see a huge Nandhi facing East when we enter the temple. On the roof we can see the Gods of 27 stars and 12 rasis. It is said that this place is good for worship of stars. Nataraja and Sivakami ammai stone idols are made of one single stone. The Brahma Theertham well lies in between the main deity and Nandhi devar, which is very sacred. The wooden temple car has exquisite sculptures. Theertham: Brahma Theertham Note: Kothanda Ramar ancient temple, Murugar temple in the nearby hillock and Chelliamman temple are worth visiting here.

Kailasanathar Temple at Padalur

Chockalingeswarar Temple at Thiruvalakurichi, Near Padalur

Sri Anjeneyar Temple in Perumal Palayam, This is located in between Padalur and IROOR on the Chennai-Trichy Highway. This is a Rock Temple which is more than 2 km height.

Chettikulam, 6 kms from the Alathurgate in the NH45 Road Sri Dhandayudhapani Temple on a hill: This is a highly popular Murugan temple on a hill. This is equivalent to the Palani Murugan temple for the people of more than 100 villages around.

Ekambareswarar Shiva Temple:This was built during the Karikal Cholan period. The temple is famous for its Kubera sculpture showing the Lord of Wealth on His Fish vehicle. There are 13 guberars here, 12 each for each zodiac sign and one common. It is the only such temple in the country. When viewed from an upper place, it is said that the idols combined together looks like OHM letter shape. People throng the temple to worship Kubera for wealth. The rays of Sun fall on Lord Ekambareswara on 19, 20 and 21 of Panguni month –March-April. This is an ancient Shiva Temple and the lingam is a jyothi lingam. The main tower-Rajagopuram is 100 feet tall visible up to a distance of 10 kilo meters. The abhisheha water is very special as it is said to free people from the bad habits and addictions. There is also a sculptural marvel in the temple on the western Dwarapalaka pillar carved with such rare skill that it looks like a bull from one angle and an elephant from the other. In the inner corridor, there are 10 pillars producing different musical sounds if tapped with a dry sandal stick. Both the temples are located in such a way that both Murugan and Shiva (Father and Son) are facing each other.

Sri Madurakali amman temple at Siruvachur, a highly popular and powerful amman temple and ancestor temple for most people including Sri Kanchi Maha Periyavar.

Arunachaleswarar Temple at Ayalur, 2 kms east of Siruvachur

Viswanathar Temple at Karai, 5 kms south of Siruvachur

Bhoominathar ( God of Earth) Shiva Temple in Mannachanalur, where Lord Shiva himself is present as God of Vasthu. There is a legend behind the main deity who got control of Vasthu Bagvan here. On Vasthu days there are few sampradhayams by which we can be solved of all vasthu dhosha problems.

Sundara Raja Perumal Koil in Azhagiya Manavalam en route Thuraiyur and Azhagiya Manavalam village is a little diversion from there to the left for about 3 kms. The Lord is seen in a standing posture with Sridevi and Bhoodevi. The legend dates back to the 14th Century AD to the time when Mohammed Bin Tughlag invaded the Srirangam temple and the threat to the idols of Lord Ranganatha loomed large. While the battle was going on, Azhagiya Manavalan and His consorts resided here at the Sundara Raja Perumal temple in this village. A smart lady of this village used her guile and protected the idol of the utsav deity of Lord Ranganatha and also helped the forces outwit the Madurai Sultanate. It was in 1371 AD that Azhagiya Manavalan and His consort went back to Srirangam temple. Gopurapatti village is located 20kms North West of Trichy near Mannachanallur between two rivers Peruvalavan and Kamba (these have gone into extinction and are currently seen in the form of a small canal). This can also be reached from Thiruvasai in the Trichy – Musiri route and this is located west of Thiruvasi.

Aadhi Nayaka Perumal Temple In the 14th Century, Srirangam was ravaged by the Islamic invasion. During this period, lasting close to 50 years some of the residents fled the place but many others stayed on to fight the invaders. Over 10,000 Vaishnavites gave up their lives fighting to protect Srirangam from these invaders. In memory of them, every year, during the No Moon day in the Tamil Calendar month of Aadi, Tharpanam takes place on the banks of the Peruvalavan River in Gopurapatti. The Moolavar is seen in a Bala Sayana Posture with a Measuring Instrument.

Amaleesvarar Temple, The early Chola temple here was in ruins but has been scientifically renovated and restored to its barest original form. Lord of the temple is called Thiru Amaleesvaram Udaiya Mahadevar in the inscriptions. Thiruvellarai, Location: About 20 km north of Trichy, en route Thuraiyur.

Sri Pundarikaasha Perumal temple (Divya desam), east facing standing postureGoddess: Shenbagavalli, also called as “Periya Piraattiyaar Lakshmi Devi”. Seperate sannadhi for Thaayar. Utsavar thaayar is named as “Pangajavalli”. Prathyaksham: For, “Periya Thiruvadi” Garudan, Sibi chakravarthy, Bhoodevi (Bhoomi Piratti), Maarkandeya Maharishi, Lord Brahma, Rudhran (Lord Shiva). Highlights: * One of 108 Divya desams * Situated in a sprawling 14 acre site and resembles an old fort; surrounded on all sides by 36-feet-high massive compound walls; there are 5 praharams for the temple; the front Rajagopuram is unfinished and would have been one of the biggest had it been finished. * The temple is considered the oldest of the Vaishnavaite temples of South, older than Srirangam. Whereas Srirangam was built during Rama’s period, Thiruvellarai temple was built by Sibhi, 4 generations older forefather of Rama. Hence the name Aadhi Vellarai. According to the Puranas, 64 `Chathuryugas’ (the present Kaliyuga being one among them) have passed since the Lord was enshrined here. * This temple is situated at 100 feet high in a small hillock made of white granite slabs, this place is called “Thiru Vellarai”. * 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. Only in two other Divya Desams this happens – Nachiyar temple in Thiru Naraiyur, Andal in Srivilliputhur. * Inscriptions and the architecture at this temple point to periods of Pallava, Hoysala and Vijayanagara kings. * Legend has it that all the Vaishnavas who perform daily poojas in various temples in south India are originally from Thiruvellarai. * Another belief is that no Vaishnavite can get Moksham without visiting Thiruvellarai. Visiting this temple is an eligibility criterion for Moksham. * 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, maintained by Archeological Survey of India (ASI). The Swastik shape of the tank makes it possible that people bathing at one ghat cannot view any other ghat. * Acharyars: Ramanuja spent few months here after the unfortunate incident of attempting to kill him by poison at Srirangam; this is the birth place of Uyyakkondan (a disciple of Saint Naradhar) whose given name was Pundareekhakshar and Engalazhwan whose given name was Vishnuchittar, a contemporary of Ramanuja and an expert in Sri Bashyam. * There are two cave temples in the rocks for Markandeya Maharishi and Bhoodevi Thayar, 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, must be visited in lifetime for its sheer majesty, architectural marvel and the heritage, apart from its divinity of course.

Aadhi Jambukeswarar temple, a rock cut temple, is 500 meters from the Vishnu Temple. Aadhi Jambhunathar Temple where Jambhukeswarar blessed the Jambhu Rishi who was not able to walk to Tiruvanaikoil for a Darshan. A Pallava period cave temple in a beautiful location recently renovated is very near the Thiruvellarai Divya Desam. Both Shiva and Perumal are carved side by side on the right with Shiva linga shrine in the middle with Jambhu Rishi and Bhairavar on the left. Navagraha Darshan also can be had inside the cave shrine. Shrines for Akhilandeswari, Vinayaka and Subramanya are outside the cave.

Thuraiyur Prasanna Venkatachalapathy Perumal temple at Perumal malai with Sridevi and Boodevi Thayar. Place: The temple is at the top of Perumalmalai hills, 3 kms from Thuraiyur. This place is known as ‘Then Thirupathi’ of Trichy due to the many similarities to Thirupathi. There are seven hillocks to cross; Alarmelmangai Thayar is having a separate shrine; Govindharaja perumal in lying posture is having a temple at the foot hill; and there is a village known as Nagalapuram 5 kms away. The hill is 960 feet high with 1532 steps to climb. There is also a motorable road of about 5 kms till the top. It will take about 15 minutes in vehicle and about an hour in walking through steps. Legend: The temple was constructed by one of the grand sons of Karikala chola. The king, as per the advice of his Guru, 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). He is now known as Karuppanna Swamy or Veerappa Swamy and is having a separate shrine between the shrines of Perumal and Alarmelmangai Thayar. Temple: The prime deity here is Alarmelmangai Thayar and there are separate shrines for Alarmelmangai Thayar and Padmavathi Thayar. This temple is present as a symbol of Shaiva Vaishanav unison – while Thulasi is being given as prasadam in the Perumal shrine, Viboothi (holy ash) is being as prasadam in the Karuppannar shrine. In the Shobana mandapam, there are wonder musical pillars and beautiful sculptures of the ten avatars of Mahavishnu and others on the pillars. For those who could not climb 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. 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. Also, Govindaraja Perumal temple is situated at the base of the hill. Hundreds of devotees take part in the Girivalam around this hillock on full-moon days.

Sri Sambath Gowri Amman sametha Nandhikeswarar Temple lies in the heart of the Thuraiyur town, 48 kms from Trichy. The Lord is sung by Appar, Arunagirinathar and other saints. This temple is developed and added with shrines during the 8th – 14th centuries. It is said that Ayyanar, Pidari, Nagakanni, Indran, Thirumal, Venuvanamunivar, Parasaran have prayed the Lord Shiva here. The temple tank is called ‘Nandhi Theertham’. It is told that the Sundara Cholan, named the Linga here as ‘Nandhikeswarar’. There are many life size exquisitely carved stone sculptures in the temple. There is a Nagakanni Amman statue enshrined in this templ and during ragukalam (10.30 am to 12.00 Noon) of all Fridays, special poojas are being conducted for this Goddess, to expiate the sin of Raghu – Kethu, delay in marriages etc. There is a beautiful centre mandapam in a dilapidated condition in the big irrigation tank nearby.

Sri Vedantha Mahadesigar templeis near the Nandhikeswarar temple

Matrari Varadeeswarar temple at Thiruvasi – Thevara temple located at 12 kms from Trichy in the Trichy-Salem route via Ayyanpalayam on the northern bank of river Kollidam (Coleroon). The ancient name of the place is Thiruppachil Ashram. Significance: One of 275 Shiva temples glorified by the Thevara hymns; Offering Sweet Pongal 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, a ruler, had the Muyalagan disease and Sambandhar cured it * Once a business man and a Shiva devotee called Kamalan was childless. One day when he was going home from the temple he heard a child crying and found a baby in a lotus flower. He named her Amalai and brought her up. When the child was ready for marriage, he wanted her to be married to his brother-in-law. Amalai was a great devotee of Shiva and so wanted to marry Shiva. Shiva came to their house as Kamalan’s brother-in-law and married Amalai. After the marriage they both left the house saying that they are going to the temple. After they left, original brother-in-law returned home, only then they realised something had happened. They went to temple in search of Amalai and knowing this, Amalai threw her anklet back and it turned to be a river and started flowing. Amalai was Parvathi devi herself and Shiva and Parvathi devi gave dharshan to all the people on the rishba vahana. * Sundarar got a bag of gold from Lord Shiva in this place. * Worshipped by Brahma, Lakshmi Umadevi and Sage Agasthiar Temple: The temple dates back to about 1500 years. Here we can see a snake under the feet of Lord Nataraja instead of Muyalagan. We see Sundarar with golden talam in his hand. Sambandhar and Sundarar sang hymns on Shiva of this place. Sthala Vruksham: Vanni Theertham: Amalai river, Panguni river.

Matsyapurisvarar temple at Thudaiyur Near Thiruvasi, 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.

Visha mangalaeswarar temple at Thudaiyur Location: 10 kms from Trichy. Main Deity: Visha mangalaeswarar with Veera mangalaeswri/ Mangalanayaki amman. Temple: This Thevara Vaipu Sthalam is a small temple and has lots of special significances. There is a big snake pit before we enter the temple and the place is also known as Visham Theenda Pathi, meaning poison has no effect here. We see all the Gods with their wives – Surya with his wife, Lakshmi Narayanar, Kalyana Sundareswarar, Subramanya with Valli Devasena, Brahma and Saraswathi. Durga is Vishnu Durgai on lotus peetam with agni in hand. Thadangam of Durgai is different here. Digichandana Dakshina moorhy idol is really good and He is with veena known as Digichandana in his hand. Surya and Chandra are seen on top of Dakshinamoothy to either side with chamaram. 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. About half a km from here we see Vadha muni stone for which oil abishekam is done on Saturday, Tuesday, full-moon day and half-moon day. The oil is distributed as prasadam to devotees. They say applying the oil will subside any type of pain.

Murugan Temple at Ayyampalayam

Prasanna Venkateswara Perumal Temple at Gunaseelam Location: 16 kms from Trichy in the Trichy-Salem route, the place is famous for this temple Main Deity: Prasanna venkatesa perumal housing Thayar in his chest Significance: A Prarthana sthalam. Main deity is Swayambu moorthy. The place is called Then Thirupathi and it is said that this Perumal is elder to Srinivasa Perumal of Thirupathi. One who cannot go to Thirupathi can offer their prayers in this temple. 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. Temple: There is no separate shrine for Thayar since Perumal is housing the Thayar in His chest. 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. Worship benefits: Mentally ill people stay here to become normal. 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. This is a Prarthana sthalam and people wanting to get good marriage and childhood come here and get their wishes sanctioned. Theertham: Papavinasa theertham.

Neelakandeswarar temple at Thiruppainjeeli – Thevara Temple Location: About 20 kms north-west of Trichy; 8kms from Mannacha nallore on the northern bank of Kollidam. Significance: * One of 275 sacred Shiva temples glorified by the Thevara hymns; * the temple is also called ‘South kailash’ * a rare temple for Yama (King of death) Main Deity: Neellivaneswarar/ Neelakandeswarar/ Jeelivana nadhar/ Viswanathar as Swayambu lingam and Visalakshi/ Neellnedunkannammal ammai. Legend: * Shiva appeared in the form of a brahmin and gave food to Navakkuarasar. * Sage Vasishtar had dharshan of Shiva in dancing posture and so this is also called ‘Mel Chidambaram’. * As instructed by Sage Vasishtar, 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. In front of the Nandhi and Dwajasthambam, the Navagrahas are prayed by lighting lamps in the nine stone cavern holes made on the floor. * There is a separate Yama temple outside the main temple within the compound. People who worship here will live without the fear of death. * There are two amman shrines, the main one is facing east and has a roofing with some special bricks available only in this region. * Inside we see Shiva and Parvathi with Murugar in between them as Somaskandha moortham in a cave shrine. The Shiva rock shrine is said to be created by Mahendra Varma Pallava, otherwise called Gunabaram, during 640 AD. Yama is seen under the feet of Shiva, who gave rebirth to Yama. Surya and Chandra are on top to either side with chamaram. * The shrine of Lord Vishnu named Senthamarikanan is present inside the temple. * Chinnandavar and Periyandavar, the rural guardian deities are also located in the temple premises. The sculpture of Sudha Mahamunivar lies in the outer precinct of the temple. * Appar, Sundarar and Sambandhar sang hymns on Shiva of this place. The Sorudaieswarar shrine is associated with the divine poet Appar. * There is also a good fresh water spring, 2 kms north of the temple on the way to Sri Pundarikatsha Perumal temple at Thiruvellarai. At 2 kms from the water spring, a plantain tree is being decorated and worshipped. Theertam: Appar theertham. Sthala Vruksham: Neeli, a variety of plantain which is not grown in any other part

Shiva temple at Mutharasanallur Location: 7 kms from Trichy to Karur. Main Deities: * Rathnagreeswarar and Aralakesari amman in different sanctums. * Engoinadhar and Maragadha valli amman in different sanctums. * Kadamba vaneswarar and Bala Kujalambikai in separate sanctums. Legend: A king by name Mutuarasu used to worship Kadamba vaneswarar of Kulithalai in the morning, Rathanagreeswarar of Ayyarmalai in the noon and Thiru Engoinadhar of Thiru Engoi malai in the evening everyday. When he became old he could not continue his worship as before and so was sad and prayed to Shiva. 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. In the morning, the King found the idols of Shiva and Goddess also and later built this temple. The place is named after him as Muthrasanallur. Temple: There are three sanctums for Shiva and three sanctums for Goddess. Those who could not go to Kulitalai and worship all the three temples can visit this single temple to get the same benefit. Other shrines are Murugan with Valli and Devayanai, Dakshina moorthy, Ganapathy, Chandeeswarar, Navagraha, Bairava, Sani and Surya.

Shiva temple at Tiruchendurai Location: 12 kms from Trichy to Karur. Main Deity: Swayambu Linga known as Chandrashekara swamy and Maanendiya valli. Significance: This is one of the Vaippu sthalams. Temple: Shiva linga looks like jack fruit. Ambikai has deer in her hand. 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. Sthala Vruksham: Jack fruit tree.

Vada Theerthanathar Temple at Andanallur Location: 13 kms from Trichy in the Trichy-Karur route between Allur (Jeeyapuram) and Thiruchchendurai. Main Deity: Vadateertheswarar as Swayambu lingam with Balasundari Ambikai. Temple: This small ancient Chola temple is a Thevara Vaippu sthalam. Andanallur is called Andavanallur in inscriptions. The temple is also called Thiru Alandurai Mahadevar temple.

Rudhrakoteeswarar temple at Kodiyalam Location: 3 kms from Trichy between Jeeyapuram and Mukkombu (Elamanur); 1 km east from Mukkombu Main Deity: Rudhrakoteeswarar with Komalambikai amman

Sri Panchandeeswarar temple at Allur The Panchanadeesvarar temple is situated in Allur 10 kms from Trichy on the main road to Karur. The deity is called Thiru Vadagudi Paramesvarar (or) Mahadevar.

Sri Viswanathar temple at Pazhur Pazhur is located in the Trichy-Karur route about 800 meters before Allur. This temple for Viswanathar-Visalakshmi is famous for Navagraha worship and devotees throng the temple. The Navagrahas are present on a platform inscribed with the 12 rasis along with their respective consorts, vahanas and yandhras. The navagraha mandapam was installed in 1932 as per the instructions of Kanchi Maha Periyavar Sri Chandrasekarendhra Swamigal.

Tharuka vaneswarar at Thirupparaithurai – Thevara temple Significance: One of 275 sacred Shiva temples glorified by the Thevara hymns Location: 15 kms from Trichy. Main Deity: Paraithurai nadhar/ Tharuka vaneswarar as Swayambu lingam facing East with Pasumpon myilammai, Hemavarnambal facing South. 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. They felt God is not at all needed since one’s karma only is responsible for the pain and pleasure of that person. The rishis’ wives were also equally egoistic, thinking that they were the most beautiful of all the worlds including the devaloha ladies and the consorts of the 3 moorthies. 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. To teach the lesson first for the ladies, they both went to the Agraharam begging. On seeing such a divinely personality with a magnetic voice for the first time, the ladies forgot themselves, forgot what they were doing and came to streets to see him. On seeing the beauty of the Mohini (Vishnu), they felt ashamed and embarrassed with their egoistic thinking about their beauty. Followed by the wives of the rishis, both Bitchadanar and Mohini went to Tharukavanam where the rishis were doing a yagna. On getting furious over their wives getting attracted towards this nude beggar, the rishis did different things like creating an elephant, Tiger etc., through yagnas, sending mantras and vedas to fight Bitchadanar but nothing could stand in front of Him. Shiva finally revealed his true identity and did a furious dance in front of them. On realizing their mistakes, the rishis at once surrendered to Bitchadanar. 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. Temple: The temple is situated in the place where parai trees are large in number, hence the place is known as Paraithurai. Indhra, Kubera and Saptharishis worshipped Shiva here. Other deities present in the temple are Vinayakar, Murugan, Mahalakshmi, Durgai, Dakshina moorthy and Navagraha. Sambandhar and Navakarasar sang hymns on Shiva of this place. Meditating under the Parai tree here is considered very special. Sthala Vruksham: Punnai tree. Theertham: Cauveri.

Sri Sundareswarar Temple at Nangavaram Nangavaram is 18 kms from Trichy and about 3 kms south of Perugamani in the Trichy-Kulitalai route. It has an ancient Sundareswarar temple and a Pidari temple. 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. Hence this place is called Mangai-varam (or) Nangai-varam, which became as Nangavaram. The village is called Arinjigai Sathur Vedhimangalam. A stone panel with 24 Jain Theerthangaras is also seen here.

Shiva temple at Pettaivaithalai Location: 23 kms from Trichy to Karur. Main Deity: Madhyarjuneswarar with Balambikai. Temple: The temple at Pettaivaithalai is about 1km inside from the Trichy-Kulitalai main road. The temple was built by 3rd Kulothunga Chola. In a pillar we can see Potralam poovai chittar. The Jeeva samadhi of Potralam poovai chittar is present here. Worshipping Shiva in this place is recommended to get rid of Brahmahatti dosha. Other deities like Bitchadanar, Saraswathi, Dandayudhapani, Mahalakshmi, Surya, Chandra and Navagraha are there. Significances: All types of ladies specific problems like mensus, uterus, menopause related are said to be cured by worshipping Shiva at this place.

Kulitalai and Musiri are on the opposite banks of Cauvery, whereas Kulitalai is in the Trichy-Karur route running along the southern bank of the Cauveri, Musiri is in the Trichy-Salem route running along the northern bank of the Cauveri. Both are at about 40 kms from Trichy and connected by a bridge across the river. The cauvery here is called “Aganda (wide) Cauvery” and has a width of more than 1 KM.

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. Agasthiar was not satisfied even after worshipping so many temples in south and finally got satisfaction after worshipping these three temples. He worshipped Kadamba nadhar at Kadambar koil in the morning, Rathnagresswarar temple at Ayyarmalai (Thiruvatpokki) in the noon, and the Thiruvengi nadhar at Thiru-engoi-malai in the evening. It is considered that worshipping all of them in a single day will get us salvation.

Kadambar Koil at Kulithalai Location: Kulithalai town Significance: One of the 275 sacred Shiva temples glorified by the Thevara hymns; north facing temple like Kasi, considered equivalent to Kasi and is called Dakshina Kasi; considered equivalent to Madurai and is called Vada Madurai Main Deity: Kadambavaneswarar/ Sundaresar/ Soundareswarar with Mutrila mulaiamai/ Bala Gujambigai Legend: The legend has been described in the Kanda Puranam * Brahma got fatigue over his job of creating lives and prayed to Shiva for salvation. Per Shiva’s guidance, 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. When the demon got stronger in the fight, the Saptha Kannigas joined Durga devi and made the demon run away. The demon ran and hid at the place of Sage Kathyayanar. The Saptha Kannigas mistook that the demon was hiding in the form of Sage and so killed the sage cruelly. Due to this, they got the Brahma harthi dhosham and got it relieved off only after worshipping Shiva here. At the sanctum sanctorum, behind the moolavar, the Saptha Kannigas are present in a sculpture. * Per the request of Devasarma, Shiva gave the dharshan of his wedding with Goddess Meenakshi and so this place is called Vada Madurai. So He is called Sundaresar. * Demon Somugan once took away the four Vedas and hid it in the Bhadala logam. So Lord Vishnu worshipped Shiva here and with His blessings went under the ground in the Machavathar and brought back the Vedas. So this place is called Vedhapuri * When Shiva was preaching Pranava mantra to Paravthi devi, Murugar, without any Guru, learnt it by overhearing. So he became a Moogar and to get rid of the curse, He worshipped Shiva in many places and finally came here and got the curse cleared. Uma devi kissed murugar on his forehead and made him sit by the side of Shiva. So this place is called Kandhapuram Temple: The temple has 2 praharams and the amman shrine is facing east. There are shrines for Vinayagar, Subramanyar, Natarajar, Somaskandar, Navagrahas, Jeshtadevi, Nalvar, 63 nayanmars, Sekkizhar, Viswanathar and Gajalakshmi. Vishnu shrine is present in the Agni corner at the banks of the Brahma Theertham. Arunagirinadhar sang Thiruppugazh on this Shiva. 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. The urchava idols of the following seven surrounding temples come here for the cauvery river bath and give dharshan to the devotees. The celebrations take place for the whole night with discourses, musical and dance performances at various places – a typical village temple festival, to be witnessed by everyone once in lifetime, especially the younger generations of the city. 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 (Location)

Rathnagreeswarar Temple at Ayyarmalai Location: 8 kms from Kulithalai and 40 kms from Manapparai in the Kulitalai-Manapparai road. Significance: One of the 275 sacred Shiva temples glorified by the Thevara hymns; the first in the list of South of Cauvery temples; 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. 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, Vishnu, Indhran, Vayu, Adhiseshan, Surya, Agni, Durgai, 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, they worshipped Shiva here * Indhran once behaved improperly with the wife of Sage Gouthamar and so was cursed. After visiting so many temples, 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. He came here and tried to fill a big bowl called Kopparai meant for storing the abisheka water. But it did not become full even after pouring the Cauvery water endlessly. The angry King took the sword and threw it on the Linga which began to bleed. The king reconciling from the fury fell at the feet of the Lord, who in turn pardoned him and also got back his lost crown. The scar is still visible on the Linga and that’s why the deity is called Vatpokki. * A devotee, Vaira Perumal of Kancheepuram vowed to offer his head to Rathnagreeswarar if he gets a child. He kept his promise sooner the wish was achieved. The head came to the peak of the mount while the feet stayed down. Honey and Coconut milk is used for the abishek for this head. The garlands used for the presiding deity is then offered to this head. * Sundharamoorthy Nayanar received gold from Shiva * Once a crow spilled the milk bowl of a devotee and the crow got burnt. From then on, no crow flies on the hill above this particular height. There is a mandapam called crow mandapam to indicate this.

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. There are many resting mandapams for every 100 feet. The swayambu Linga is in the midst of 8 rocks and this is the 9th rock. All these are revered as Navarathnas. During the month of Chithirai, April-May, the sun rays fall on the Shivalinga through the nine holes in front of the sanctum sanctorum. 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. There is a beautiful temple tank at the base of the hill. The temple is praised in the hymns of Thirunavukkarasar and Arunagiriar Thirupugazh. The snakes here have no poison. The Lord offers dharshan on the 1st day of Karthikai, wearing a priceless crown. Devotees in large number undertake Girivalam during the Full moon days. Trichy Rockfort and Srirangam temple tower which are 40 kms away are visible from here Note: During the summer, while coming down, due to excessive heat you may have to literally run down from one mandapam to the other mandapam. It is advisable to go prepared with a pair of socks to escape the heat from the floor.

Thiruvengi nadhar Temple at Thiru-engoi-malai Location: 40 Km from Trichy and and 5 kms from Musiri towards Thottiam. Main deity: Swayambu lingam known as Maragathaleswarar/ Malaikozhnthar with Goddess Maragathambigai / Maragathavalli Place: The hillock is otherwise called Maragathamalai /Thenkailayam /Sivasakthimalai /Malaikovil / Erattimalai. Legend: * The name of the place is said to be derived from Thiru-i-ongaimalai (‘i’ meaning bee in Tamil) and to have been so called because the sage Agasthiar, finding the gates of the temple closed one evening, took the form of a bee and entered the temple to perform his worship. * When Sundarar went to see the Lord, He hid himself in tamarind and when Sambandhar asked for gold, He gave the tamarind from the tree which became gold. * Ambal worshipped Shiva here and so the hill is also called Sivasakthi malai. Temple: The temple is on a hillock on the bank of the river Cauvery and 500 steps lead to the temple. The river ‘Surpanathi’, also called Kondayurumarai or Kondamarai, passes by the side of the hillock. 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, 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. The God is connected with the deities of Kadambar kovil and Ayyarmalai. At the base of the temple lies Siddhar Bogar temple. Poet Nakkeerar has sung 70 songs named ‘Engoi-Elupathu’. Note: Very nearby in the foothills of Thirueengoimalai is the “Chayapeedam” of Shri Lalithamba (One of the 51 shakthi peedams). The whole temple is being maintained by yogini ladies (Brahmacharinis).

Shiva temple at Shivayam Location: 1.5 km from Ayyarmalai Main deity: Sivapureeswarar with Periyanayahi Significance: Natarajar here is very beautiful Temple: There are two gopurams, the first one is a 5 stage gopuram and the next one is a 3 stage one. The temple walls are big and the wooden door to the first entrance, called Ramayana door, is huge with the sculptures of Ramayana and other legends. There are 100 pillars and 16 pillars mandapams.

Mariamman temple at Kulitalai

Perumal Temple at Kulitalai

Mahalakshmi Temple at Mahadhanapuram

Shiva Temple at Mahadhanapuram

Sri Kuranganathar temple in Srinivasanallur Location: This temple is at about 50 kms from Trichy between Thottiyam and Musiri in the Trichy-Salem highway, on the banks of the river Cauvery. Significance: This has been declared as a monument, being maintained by Archeological Survey of India (ASI) and is not a living temple. Temple: It is a stunningly beautiful piece of early Chola architecture. Very intricately carved sculptures proclaim the rich artistic skills of the period. 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. Inscriptions of Parantaka Cholan dating 935 – 950 CE and further more are found on the walls of this temple.

Vishnu Temple at Thiru Narayanapuram Location: Thottiam taluk; 1 km from Varadaraja puram; while going from Musiri to Salem, take the left side road at Thottiyam (right side road goes to Namakkal/ Salem) that goes to Kattuputhur, Thiru narayanapuram, 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. Legend: * Once Mahabala chakravarthy Vanarayar was travelling to Mysore via this place to fight and expand his kingdom. 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. The King did the same and the pooja and then only proceeded further. No doubt, the King then won the fight without any effort. * Another legend being that the Arayar family came here for worship. 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. * After Hiranya vadham, Perumal was in anger. Prahaladha worshipped Him and asked Him to be in santha swaroopam in this place forever. * Once Brahma was in ego as a creator of lives and so Perumal wanted to teach him a lesson. He created an ugly person and sent him to Brahma. Looking at the person Brahma was confused as to who could have created such an ugly person. 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. Brahma’s ego was shattered and the ugly person disappeared. 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. Temple: The place is also called Chathurvedimangalam and Vedapuri. In the Sanctum, Perumal is reclining on Aadhiseshan and the four vedas are used as pillows. Sridevi and Boodevi are by the side. This is a very ancient temple with additions constructed during the Nayakar period in the 15th century. This temple has two prakaram and two main shrines for Perumal and Thayar. There is also a separate shrine for Goddess Saraswathi. Anjeneya in the front pillar is special here as people keep him as a judge for their issues. Prahaladha as a small boy is also seen in the temple. The temple is a small one but well maintained. This temple is considered to be an important one as Lord Perumal is preaching Brahma. Theertham: Cauvery Sthala Vruksham: Vilva tree

Viralimalai Sanctuary : Viralimalai is a small town situated at a distance of 30-km from Tiruchirappalli and 40-km from Pudukkottai. It is famous for its Murugan temple and the Peacock sanctuary. The town is bestowed with a large number of wild peacocks, which roam around the Murugan temple.

Sittanavasal : Located at a distance of 58-km from Trichy is Sittanavasal, a site of an ancient Jain monastery with fine fresco paintings in a rock cave. Many of them are typical of the 9th century Pandyan period and include exquisitely detailed pictures of animals, fish, ducks, people gathering lotuses from a pond and two dancing figures. There are also inscriptions dating back to the 9th and 10th centuries. Fresco paintings from the 7th century can be seen on the ceiling of the Ardhamandapam.

Government Museum at Thirukokarnam, located near the Pudukkottai station, at a distance of 40 km from Trichy. The rare collections in the sections of Geology, Zoology, Paintings, Anthropology, Epigraphy,Historical Records, etc., are very interesting. The museum is open on all days except Mondays.

Kudumianmalai : Kudumianmalai temple is located at a distance of 25-km from Trichy. The presiding deity is Lord Sikhagireeswara. There are beautiful sculptures and a thousand pillar-hall within the temple.

Gangaikondan Cholapuram located in Udayarpalayam Taluk is at a distance of 100-km from Trichy. Rajendra I, a Chola ruler established GangaikondaCholapuram as his capital city and built a magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Apart from the huge Nandi, there are some beautiful sculptures including a dancing Ganesha, a lion-headed well and a stunning piece depicting Rajendra being crowned by Lord Shiva and Parvati.

Kodumbalur or "Moovarkoil", is 36-km from Pudukkottai and 42-km from Tiruchirappalli. It was formerly the seat of Irukkuvelirs, who were related to the Cholas. Of the three shrines of Moovarkoil only two exist now. Boodhi Vikramakesari built these temples in the 10th century AD. The architecture of the temple is unique among south Indian temples. The sculptures of Kalarimurthi, Gajasamharamurthi Ardhanariswara, Gangadaramurthi, etc. are interesting masterpieces of art. Nearby is the Muchukundeswarar temple of the early Chola period.

Avadayar Koil : Avadayar Koil, previously known as "Thiruperunthurai", is an important Shivasthala located at a distance of 8 miles from the Arantangi railway station and about 94-km from Trichy. The sculptural work of the temple is exquisite. It is perhaps the best architectural marvel in South India.

Gunaseelam at a distance of 22-km from Trichy is Gunaseelam, a place famous for its temple for Lord Vishnu, known as "Prasanna Venkateswara".

Elakurichi 65-km from Trichy, a place famous for the ancient church built by the famous Catholic Missionary, Constantine Joseph Beschi, popularly known as "Veeramamunivar".


History and Redevelopment of Hindu temples

Major political changes were taking place in the Deccan region in the early 14th century when Alauddin Khalji was determined to bring South India under his domain. The Sultan had conquered the Pandyas of Madurai, the Kakatiyas of Warangal and the tiny kingdom of Kampili. The Hoysalas were the only remaining Hindu empire who resisted the invading armies.

VidhyAranyar knew all the SAstrAs. Among them was ‘Sakuna SAstram’ (SAstram on omen). He saw two shepherds and decided that they were the persons who should rule the new kingdom. The names of those two brothers were Hariharan and Bukkan. He established a government on the banks of river ThungabadrA and crowned them as kings.

That place is Hampi. Even tourists from outside India are coming even now to have a look at the ‘Hampi Ruins’. A place by name ‘PampA Saras’ is mentioned in the Ramayana. It is in Kishkindhai.

With the help of the wealth got due to the Anugraham of MahAlakshmi, it was possible to run the government, and to wage war against the Muslim invaders by forming big armies. VidhyAranyar predicted that this kingdom would certainly win and hoist the victory flag. Accordingly, the kingdom became known as VidhyAnagara SAmrAjyam which became Vijayanagara SAmrAjyam . Harihara—Bukkar governed the kingdom and expanded it as per the advice from VidhyAranayar.

These two kings had a cousin by name Kampannan. VidhyAranyar appointed him as the commander of the army. He sent him to South India and made him fight with the muslim armies and win. Kampannan brought together all the scattered regions into one single fold. He used to be called Kampanna UdaiyAr. Later Mysore kings also adopted this title ‘UdaiyAr’.

With the blessings of VidhyAranyar, Kampanna UdaiyAr went up to Rameswaram. On the way, he fought a few wars with the representatives of Tippu Sultan and defeated them. There was a big war in Madurai. He won all the wars and renovated so many temples. Kampanna UdaiyAr had a wife by name Gangadevi. She had accompanied him wherever he went to fight. She also chronicled all the incidents that happened on the way, very nicely and with a great poetic touch in ‘Gangadevi MadhurA Vijayam’ ( Gangadevi’s Madurai visit)

In Kannanur near Samayapuram, there is a temple ‘HoysalEswarar’ which became ‘PochchalEswarar’. The nearby Kambarasanpettai is due to his name only.

A rice merchant ran fifty kilometers and died, to inform hindus at Srirangam about invading islamic forces. Important idols were removed and moved to other places like sathyamangalam. Some stone statues were hidden. Many people died. Hoysalas and others who came to save large number of Tamils were also killed. Hindu kings/queens from karnataka and Andhra did a lot and sacrificed their people and wealth to help Tamils, during this period.


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