Anantheshwara in Rajathapeetha Pura

Anantheshwara in Rajathapeetha Pura

Lord Krishna appeared in the form of Linga and occupied the silver pedestal is known as ANANTHESHWARA. It is believed that it was on the request of Lord Shiva that Lord Parashurama also enshrined in the Linga in the form Lord Anantha and hence the name Anantheshwara.The king Ramabhoja also built four Durgalayas (Durga temple) and Nagalayas (Subramanya temple) one each in each direction.

The Shri Anantheshwara Temple has been a seat of learning since time immemorial for the study of Veda, Vedanta, Upanishads. It was this place where Shri Madhwacharya obtained lessons from his Guru Shri Achyuthaprekshacharya. The details of Anantheshwara appear in the Shri Skandapurana

Nara Nag temple of Kashmir

Nara Nag temple of Kashmir- evokes awe and is a devotee's delight.

The Valley of Kashmir is known not only for its lush green meadows, snow-capped mountains but also for its historical and religious places. There is a temple complex called Nara Nag which evokes awe and is a devotee's delight.

The moonlight in the valley of the Nara Nag is a mesmerizing experience in the month of November as the snow on the higher peaks reflects the full moonlight in the sky, beauty is further added by the tortuous course of the Kanka River torrent whose white and foaming water epitomize the moon silver light on the earth. The fast gale, silver moon light and sound of the gushing water of the Kanka River is a commemorative sight for the Nara Nag group of temples.

The small tank with perennial water of Nara Nag has refreshing, digestive properties. At a further distance there is a temple dedicated to Bhairva. The western group identified with the temple is dedicated to Lord Siva. Lalitaditya Muktapida eighth century King of Kashmir erected a temple of Lord Shiva here. The King Avantivarman paid a visit and and donated a pedestal with a silver conduct for bathing at Bhutsher. These temples are built of grayish granite found in abundance in neighborhood and their different architectural entities as evidently prove that they are of a different era.

The Sodaratirtha referred in the Nilamata Purana is among the scared tiratha in Kashmir Valley presently known as Nara Nag. Till the last quarter of 20th century, out of religious beliefs, local Kashmir Pandits after consecrating the ashes of their relatives in the Gangabal Lake come to perform the last rites for the peace of departed soul.

The first group consists of seven temples, the largest temple of the group has two entrances opposite to each other in north-east and south-west direction. The temple is built of huge rectangular stones laid in dry masonry with inter locking system. The interior is square and ceiling is domical built of horizontal kanjur stones and the apex stone crowned by a full blown lotus. The galvanized sheets roofing is of later addition. All the temples had conical stone roof of a single stone, the evidence of which are available on the site. The center is an unpaved square space for missing image of principle diety in the interior.

The closed doors embellished with trefoil arches and pediment reflect the Greco-Roman influence on the Kashmiri Temple architecture. The closed arches decorated with square topped arches meant to carry sculptures. Besides the main temple, there are six other miniature shrines placed in an unsymmetrical manner in the compound intended as subsidiary shrines. These subsidiary shrines were probably erected by various groups of pilgrims as a mark of reverence after returning from Gangabal Lake in form of "votive offering" after successful accomplishment of the hazardous ascent to Gangabal Lake.

About one hundred meters below towards the River Bed , the second group of temples is enclosed by two chambered huge gateway of similar size and shape as of Avantipur temple.

The roofless two chambered gateway were once supported by four pillars, the base of which are in situ. In this group there are about six small roofless temples with high plinths. The main shrine has only huge arched entrance and other three sides have closed doors with trefoil arches encased in triangular encasing. The ceiling of the grabha-griha or the Cella rounded off with rubble lime motar, probably of the later period, converting the square into a circle originally the triangular slabs springs the domical roof by corners of Kanjur stones. The three exterior trefoil niches once had a large image which is no more extant. A huge rectangular tank scooped out from a single rock into a water tank exists on the south face of the principal temple. The whole group encircled is by the remains of rectangular wall of huge stones of which the foundation could be traced, together with several base of pillars and fluted pillars similar to the Avantiswamin Temple , just opposite to the main entrance. There is a large platform with evidence of twelve pedestals of pillars, eight in number four on the longer side and four on the shorter side.

The flight of stairs is built between the central pair of columns facing the first group of temple. The 100` ft long by 67` broad pillared hall is a remarkable architecture feat of the whole group of temples.

The temples were plundered in the days of Jyasimha in Kalhana's time. The temple of Naranag suffered many misfortunes as mentioned in Khalhana's Rajatarangani during the reign of Sangramaraja (11th century). The temple- was plundered by Bhandesvara, a Minister of the King. For the period of the reign of Uchchala (12th century) a conflagration caused much damage to the building and during the reign of Jayasimha Hayavadava(12th century), a rebel minister also attacked these temples. Nara Nag is the base camp of the Gangabal Lake it takes 8-10 hour on foot or on horse back to reach the lake.

(source: Nara Nag

Sri Sri Villeeswarar Temple

Sri Sri Villeeswarar Temple

The presiding deity, got from the earth appears with three straight lines on the forehead. Sun God by spreading his rays on the presiding deity on 14, 15 and 16 in the month of Panguni (March-April) worships the Lord. The Navagrahas – 9 planets - are installed just above a foot from the ground. Devotees submit their grievances in a paper before the planets, wonderfully, their grievances are redressed within 30 days. This is a very ancient temple. Many epigraphic evidences are found in this temple.

Shri Vinayaka graces in the temple with the name Shantha Vinayaka. Idigarai is situated in between the banks of two canals fed by the rains from Kurudi hills, Pala hills and Ponnuthu hills. So, the ancient name of the place was Iru Karai – two banks - which in later days changed as Idikarai.

Sri Villeeswarar graces from the sanctum sanctorum with a small Nandhi-the bull vehicle. Mother Vedanayaki, Balasubramaniar graces from their respective shrines. There is a banyan tree without hanging stems (Vizhudhu) with Lord Dakshinamurthy gracing under the tree.

Worship of Villeeswarar removes obstacles in marriage talks. Evil aspects on children disappear. Diseases are cured. Prosperity improves in families. Litigants win legal battles.

Devotees perform abishek to Lord with rose water, green coconuts, sacred ashes-vibhuti - sandal etc. with vastras. Abishek is performed to Lord Dakshinamurthy with a pulse called Kondaikadalai.

The Lord of the temple is praised as Villeeswarar as Sri Rama got his Vil (bow) from Lord Shiva. (Villeeswarar means the Lord who gifted the bow). The name also represents the Vilwa trees surrounding the temple and because the Lord was worshipped by a hunting community holding Vil the bow. The visit of Sri Rama to the place is supported by a temple – Sri Kodandaramar temple – in Govindanaickenpalayam near Idikarai.

The presiding deity is got from the earth with three straight lines on forehead. Sun God worships the Lord through His rays on Panguni (March-April) 14, 15 and 16. The temple was constructed by a king. This temple is linked with Kalakaleswar temple in Kovilpalayam and Vadamadurai Vruddesswar temple on a straight stretch. There was also an underground passage connecting the temples, used by the king to worship Lord Shiva during war times.

As advised by a women soothsayer (Kurathi), King Karikal Chola, to make his kingdom prosperous and free his sons from evil aspects, decided to build as many as 36 Shiva temples. While building the 29th temple in the Kongu region, he cured the land by axing the Vilwa trees, the guardian deity Durga demanded the king to offer her sacrifices before proceeding with the construction. The king promised to build a temple for her after building the Shiva temple. He did so as promised and offered three sacrifices, a cock, goat and a swine.

Hanumangarhi

Hanumangarhi 

Hanuman Garhi, the temple dedicated to Hanuman, is one of the important temples of Ayodhya situated in the centre on a mound visible from a long distance and is approached by seventy six step. The present temple built in 10th century, has rectangular shape with four bastions on each corner 

On the western gate of Ramkot Vikramaditya got a temple constructed which later on came to be known as Hanuman Tila and than became famous as Hanuman Garhi. Legend has it that Lord Hanuman lived here and guarded the Ramkot. This temple was built by the Nawab of Awadh with the help of Saint Abhyaramdas. Hanuman Garhi is also known for its spectacular views of the setting sun.

Lepakshi Temple

Lepakshi

When Sita was abducted by Raavan, they bumped into Jatayu, a demi-god in vulture form, who tried his best to stop Raavan. Lepakshi, in Andhra Pradesh, is said to be the place where Jatayu fell.

This was the famed Hanging Column or Pillar of Lepakshi temple, located in Anantapur district in southern Andhra Pradesh. “This is the pillar which does not rest on the ground fully,” the guide said, rising to stand beside us, and beaming triumphantly, almost as if he were the architect of this marvel. There are about 70 pillars at this fabulous 16th-century temple of stone in Vijayanagar style, but this one is the best known and a tribute to the engineering genius of ancient and medieval India’s temple builders. However, it is a bit dislodged from its original position — it is said that during the British era, a British engineer tried to move it in an unsuccessful attempt to uncover the secret of its support.

Much of the temple is built on a low, rocky hill called Kurmasailam — which translates to tortoise hill in Telugu, after the shape of the hill. The temple dates back to 1583 and was built by the brothers, Virupanna and Veeranna, who were initially in the service of the Vijayangar kings. However, Puranic lore has it that the Veerabhadra temple was built by the sage Agastya. It has idols of Ganesha, Nandi, Veerabhadra, Shiva, Bhadrakali, Vishnu and Lakshmi.

Another legend gives the town a significant place in the Ramayana — this was where the bird Jatayu fell, wounded after a futile battle against Ravana who was carrying away Sita. When Sri Rama reached the spot, he saw the bird and said compassionately, “Le Pakshi” — ‘rise, bird’ in Telugu.

Besides the Hanging Pillar, another draw is the spectacular Nandi, located almost a mile before the main temple — the first structure you will encounter. At 27ft in length and 15ft in height, it is a colossal structure, reputedly India’s biggest monolithic Nandi. Besides the record size, the perfectly proportioned body, finely-carved ornaments, and smooth contours add to its grandeur and make it a popular photo-op with visitors.

Once you reach the temple’s outer enclosure, you will see a mammoth Ganesha — hewn in stone and leaning against a rock. Perpendicular to it is a massive Naga with three coils and seven hoods. It forms a sheltering canopy over a black granite Shivalingam. It’s reckoned by many as the largest Nagalinga in India.

There are two red blotches on the western wall of the inner enclosure, explained by a gory story. Virupanna, the royal treasurer, was accused of drawing funds without the king’s permission from the state treasury to build these shrines. However, he forestalled the enraged king’s punishment by blinding himself, and those maroon spots are said to be the marks left by his bleeding eyes!

The temple’s main deity is Veerabhadra, the fiery god created by Shiva in his rage after the Daksha Yagna and the immolation of Parvathi. There are several forms of Shiva here — a majestic Kankala Murthi, Dakshinamurthi (Guru of Gurus), Tripuranthaka or Tripurasurasamhara (vanquisher of demon Tripura); Ardhanareeshwara (the half-female, half-male form, where Shiva and Parvati are equally represented in one body), etc. Another shrine has the fiery goddess Bhadrakali, though bearing an uncharacteristically serene expression.

The Lepakshi temple also has the finest specimens of mural paintings of the Vijayanagar kings. We were informed that the 24 by 14 ft fresco of Veerabhadra on the ceiling before the main sanctum sanctorum is the largest in India of any single figure. The rest of the frescoes are also beautiful and show an impressive attention to detail with colours strikingly contrasted — black limework against an orange-red background with some green, white, black, and shades of ochre-gold and brown mostly applied to a stucco surface specially treated with lime. The Shiva-Parvathi kalyanam — an enduringly popular subject with traditional Indian artists — finds expression here. However, these frescoes are peeling off in many places and in need of better maintenance and expert restoration.

After the ache in the neck from gazing upwards at these alluring frescoes, we sat down for a while, rubbing our necks, in the splendid Natya Mandapam or dance hall with its superbly sculpted pillars. The Kalyana Mandapam is another hall known for its artistic beauty. Among the many eye-catchers in this temple, the frieze of geese with lotus stalks in their beaks stands out.

The Lepakshi temple is close to the famed pilgrim town of Puttaparthi, where the nearest decent accommodation is available — whether in the ashram or in the Andhra Pradesh government-run Sai Aaramam. From here, it is an hour’s drive to the temple. From Hyderabad it is about 480 km and about 130 km from Bangalore. The climate is hot for most of the year and early mornings are the best time to visit. If you have time, check out nearby Dharmavaram, the well-known silk weaving centre, and Hindupur and surrounding villages where, elegant cottons are woven

Sri Veerattaneswarar temple

Sri Veerattaneswarar temple

The temple is praised in the Thevaram and Thiruvasagam hymns of celebrated Saivite saints Gnanasambandar, Tirunavukkarasar, Sundar and Manicka Vasagar. “Presiding over the Vedas, clad in tiger skin Many worshipping with raised hands Surrounded by Bhooda Ganas, Mother Uma singing My Lord Veerattaneswarar on the north of Kedila River Stands majestically] dancing.”-Gnanasambandar This is the 7th Shiva temple in Nadunaadu region praised in Thevaram hymns.

10 day Vasanth Utsav festival during Panguni-Chithirai Tamil months covering English March to May with Lord gracing from the Mandap; Chithirai (April-May) Sadayam star festival on Saint Appar Salvation event; 10 day Vaikasi Brahmmotsavam in May-June with Panchamurthi procession on silver vahan; 10 day Aadi Pooram; 10 day Manickavasagar utsav in Margazhi, 1 day Margazhi Tiruvadhirai with Theerthavari etc.

Lord Shiva is a swayambumurthi, large in size with 16 stripes on.

The place and the temple are closely linked with the history of Saint Tirunavukkarasar. Though born to Saivite parents and brought up by his Shiva devotee sister Thilagavathy, Marul Neekiar – that was his baptism name – embraced Jainism and rose to Guruhood there with the name Dharumasenar. His sister, a staunch Shiva devotee, dedicated herself to the service of Lord Shiva by maintaining the temple, prayed to the Lord seeking her brother’s home coming to Saivism.

Lord Shiva caused a severe stomach pain to Appar. None in the Jain camp could cure him. He came to sister Thilagavathy, fell at her feet for relief. The affectionate sister took the brother to Veerattaneswarar shrine, chanted the Panchakshara-five letters-Na Ma Shi Vaa Ya – and put the sacred ash on his forehead. Appar also consumed the ash and was miraculously cured instantly of his deadly stomach pain. Out came spontaneously Appar’s first hymn called Kodhil Neediya Tirupathigam beginning with the line “Kootru Aayinavaru Vilakka hileer”. Pleased with his poetic skill, Lord Shiva honoured Appar with the title Tiru Navukku Arasar-Tirunavukkarasar meaning king of tongues.

Devotees seeking the grace of Lord Veerattaneswarar are relieved from the three basic evils glued with humans – viz. Aanavam-arrogance, Kanma, that which follows birth after birth and illusion. Devotee visiting this temple reaps the benefit of seeing the Lord in His abode Kailash. Saint Arunagiriar had praised Lord Muruga of the temple in his Tirupugazh hymns. 

Lord Shiva of this temple is also praised as Sri Samharamurthi (Tirukedilavanar). It is also believed that Lord Ammai Appar is praying Himself in the sanctum sanctorum. Mother is also praised as Sri Tirupurasundari. Lord Vinayaka is worshipped as Siddhi Vinayaka.

Other Sacred springs of the temple are Shoola theertham, the well in the temple, Chakkara Theertham, a tank and River Kedila.

The immense benefit the devotee derives here is total peace of mind. Every disease will be cured by prayer, stomach related pains and ulcers in particular by applying the sacred ash and consuming it, freedom from enemies, disappearance of any curse following the family generation after generation, releasing the ancestors too from their sins ensuring total salvation are the benefits awaiting the devotee in this temple. Those seeking child boon consume the milk used in the abishek of Lord.

Devotees also pray for job opportunities, family prosperity also.

Devotees decorate the entrance of sanctum sanctorum with garlands (Nilamalai) and do traditional offers as Pottu Kattudhal, offer Mangal Sutra to Mother, perform Trishadi archana containing 300 or Sahasranama archana with 1008 names of the Lord, break coconuts, perform abishek to Lord with curd, fruit juices, green coconut, panchamirta a mixture of five ingredients, scented powders, gingely oil, sandal, rosewater sacred ash vilwa leaves etc. and abishek with conches and Kalasas. Abishek is performed to Mother with turmeric powder. Devotees offer vastras to Mother and Lord. They also feed the visiting devotees.

Indira the king of Devas, Lords Brahmma and Vishnu, Pandavas the five brothers, Saptha Rishis (seven sages), Vayu the God of Wind, Varuna the God of Rain, Yama the God of Death came to this temple in their chariots to worship Lord Veerattaneswarar. Hence, the temple is designed as Rath. Thanjavur Peria Koil (Big Temple) Vimana was designed after this temple by Rajaraja in the temple he built at Thanjavur. The temple is designed with such mathematical accuracy by the Pallavas that the shade of the temple does not fall on the ground. This is the place from where Lord Shiva destroyed the three lokas-Tripuras - simply by His boisterous laughter, without the aide of any weapon or army.

The temple has many firsts. It is here that the Lord destroyed the three great evils – arrogance, fate and illusion. Thevaram hymns were uttered first here. All Shivagama puja codes were formulated from this temple. Car festival and design of cars were drafted from this place. This is the only temple that is adored in great number of Thevaram hyms, the divine Tamil hymns of three saints-Gananasambandar, Appar and Sundarar- came to delight the devotees and taken as scriptures by later scholars from this place. The sculpture depicting the wedding of Shiva-Parvathi is behind the presiding deity. The sanctum sanctorum and the Mandap are in Rath (Ther in Tamil) shape.

10 day festival for Appar-Tirunavukkarasar is very devotionally celebrated in April-May. 10 day Vaikasi (May-June) Visakam Brahmmotsavam includes car festival and Tripura Samhara. Saint Tirunavukkarasar made his Uzhavaram, an instrument with a sharp edge fixed with a stick for removing the bushes on the way to Shiva temples in this sacred land. It is also noteworthy that the Thevaram hymns of the three saints contain more mention about Tripura Samhara episode. Lord of the temple purifies all His devotees from the three great basic evils polluting the human mind. This is also the land where Lord granted darshan to Appar in Wedding form, hence weddings are conducted in the temple.

Mother Periyanayaki shrine is in right of that of Lord. Those facing delays in wedding pray here for early good results. The devotee should bow down while wearing the vibhuti-sacred ash.

Three wicked demons, Tharukakshan, Kamalakshan and Vidyunmali performed severe penance on Lord Brahmma and obtained powerful boons that would keep them ever alive without death. With this boon, they began to harass the Devas and others. All of them appealed to Lord Shiva for protection. Lord Shiva made earth His Rath, Sun and Moon the wheels, Brahmma the charioteer and the Devas His army. He made a bow of the Meru Mount, Vasuki the serpent the chord, Vishnu the bow with Agni (fire) the sharp point and mounted on the Rahth. Suddenly, the axis of the Rath broke. Immediately, prayers were offered to Lord Vinayaka for the remedy. Lord began the March

Devas accompanying the Lord thought that Lord would win the war with their help only. Realizing their pride, Shiva used no weapons on the enemies. He simply laughed at them. A fire ball came out of His laughter and reduced the demons to ashes. Realizing their folly, Devas bowed down their heads in shame. The arrogance of both the demons and the Devas were destroyed simultaneously by the Lord.

Lord pardoned two demons and made them His security guards-dwarapalakas. One became player of his Kudamuzha instrument. This is the story celebrated as Tiripura Samharam.

 

Thiru Koneshvaram

Thiru Koneshvaram

Thiru Koneshwaram, lovely located on a rock promontory of Trincomalee, was built by Rishi Agastya on the instructions of Lord Shiva who was impressed by the devotion of King Ravana. This place is unique in this respect, the Lord building a temple for his devotee as a reward for his devotion. Lord Rama is believed to have offered his prayers here, too, in order to get rid of the malediction of killing Ravana who was a Brahmin, meaning Brahmahasthi Dosham. The famous temple built here during the glorious era of the Tamil Pallava and Chola and Pandya empires, was destructed by bigoted Portuguese Christians between 1622 and 1624