Kanya Kumari Temple

Kanya Kumari, known as Kumari Amman (the virgin goddess)is one of the forms of Devi. She is popularly known as “Bhagavathy Amman”. Bhagavathy Amman Temple is located in Kanya Kumari (formerly Cape Comorin) on the confluence of the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean.in Tamil Nadu. She is also known by several other names, including Kanya Devi and Devi Kumari.

Temple Architecture 

 Picture of Goddess Devi Kanya Kumari at Kanyakumari Devi Temple, Tamilnadu Kanya kumari Bhagavathy Amman Temple is known for its architectural beauty and stands facing the shoreline. Main entrance to the temple is through the northern gate and the deity faces east. A door to the east of the shrine is opened only five times a year. There are three corridors which encircle the sanctum. Though there are no special shrines in the outer corridor, there is a Navarathiri mandapam and a pathway that leads to the second corridor. Devotees can see the flag mast or Kodisthambam from where a clear view of the Kanyakumari

 Goddess is seen. A symbol of a Hindu Nun, the Goddess is seen in a black stone image in the sanctum with a garland. The most significant feature of the deity is the glittering diamond nose ring that is visible from a distance. Other deities of the temple are Vijayasundari and Balasundari, friends of the Goddess. One can see 11 theerthams in the surrounding area. There are two rocks rising out of the ocean on the southeast of the Kanyakumari Amman Temple. Footprints of the goddess are seen on one of the rocks. Another one is the rock where Swami Vivekananda meditated and attained enlightenment.Legend of Kanyakumari Temple Legend has it that a demon named Baanaasuran caused damages to the Devas and the public. The helpless victims sought Mahavishnu for help. The Lord in turn directed them to pray Goddess Shakthi to destroy the demon. The Goddess answered their prayers and appeared as a young virgin girl at Kanyakumari. She started penance to marry Lord Shiva at Suchindram temple (about 11 km away). However the wedding did not happen. The rice and cereals remained uncooked and turned into sand and seashells. These are scattered along the seashore and the Devi became a virgin goddess.

 Temple Festivals

 A ten-day festival called Vaikasi Visakam is held during the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May/June) with a Boat Festival.Navarathri is also celebrated during September/October.

Rameswaram Temple

Rameswaram is one Jyotirlinga from 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord shiva located all over India.Being situated in Rameswaram, the shrine is popularly known as Rameshwaram Temple Rameswaram is a town in Ramanathpuram district of Tamil Nadu. The town is particularly famous for its religious shrine of Ramanathaswamy.. . The nearest airport to Rameshwaram is located at Madurai, which lies at a distance of 163 kms. You may easily reach Rameshwaram by regular tourist buses or by hiring taxis from all the major cities of Tamil Nadu including Madurai, Chennai and Trichy. Ramanathaswamy Temple is an important pilgrimage site for the followers of Hinduism. It is a trust here  that by visiting  this temple, washes away your sins and brings salvation (moksha).Located on an island off the Sethu coast of Rameshwaram, Ramanathaswamy Mandir can be reached via Pamban Bridge across the sea.

The construction of this temple is of 12th century; nonetheless it was completed much later, during the reign of various rulers. Rameshwaram Temple is famous for embracing one of the twelve Jyotirlingas (lingam of light) of Lord Shiva.The temple is also accredited for being the southern most ‘jyotirlinga’ of India. It is known for the place where Lord Rama offered his gratitude to Lord Shiva.

The Lingam of Ramanathaswamy is the presiding deity of Rameswaram Temple. The religious significance of this shrine has made it, one of the most visited temples of India.

Rameshwaram (South) is one of the four major pilgrimage sites of Hindus,(Char Dham) the other being Puri (East), Dwarka (West) and Badrinath (north). The main shrine adores the idols of Viswanatha Naicker and Krishnama Naicker.

In the inside of the Ramalingeshwara, two lingas Ramalingam and Vishvalingam are placed side by side. Preserving the Lord Rama’s words, Vishvalingam is worshipped before Ramalingam. Maha Shivarathri, Thirukalyanam, Mahalaya Amavasai and Thai Amavasai are the major festivals,celebrated here with gusto and fervor.

Legend

 Ramanathaswamy Temple is a part of the great epic Ramayana. As per Ramayana, it is believed that Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva here, on his victorious return from Sri Lanka. As the legend goes, Sages (Rishis) counseled Lord Rama (along with Sita and Lakshmana) to install and worship the ‘Shivalingam’ at this place, to compensate the sin of Brahmahatya (killing of a Brahmin). Lord Rama accepted the request and fixed a favorable time for the installation of Shivalingam.He sent Lord Hanuman (Anjaneya) to bring a ‘lingam’ from Mount Kailash. Lord Hanuman could not return in time and it was

getting late. Apprehending the situation, Sita herself made a ‘linga’ of sand and Lord Rama installed the same. When Hanuman came back with the ‘linga’, the formal procedures of installation were over. Lord Rama consoled the disappointed

Hanuman and installed his lingam (Visvalingam) next to Ramalinga. He enhanced the sanctity of lingam by ordaining that the rites would be made first to the Visvalingam.

Architecture

 Stretched over a vast area of 15 acres, Rameswaram Temple is the typical specimen of Dravidian style of architecture. The skyscraping gopurams (spires) truly dominate the skyline of Rameshwaram. The shrine is acknowledged for having the largest

temple hallway in India. This pillared corridor extends to 4000 feet in length, embracing more than 4000 pillars. Erected on a raised plinth, granite pillars are intricately carved with beautiful images. A hard fact about this corridor reveals that the rock doesn’t belong to the island and it was imported from somewhere across the sea. Encompassing nine levels, the eastern Rajgopuram (spire) soars to the height of 126 feet. However, the western ‘gopuram’ is not as high as the eastern ‘gopuram’, still it is equally captivating. The temple comprises numerous ‘mandaps’ having small shrines, dedicated to other deities. The colossal image of Nandi (Lord Shiva’s Bull) captures the attention, due to its sheer size. It measures 12 feet in its length and 9 feet in its height. High fortifications encircle the temple, making a rectangle along with big pyramidal ‘gopura’ doorways on every side.

Theertham(Water Springs)

 There are almost 36 Theerthams here out of which 22 are in the Rameswaram temple. The water of these Theerthams are said to be therapeutic. A bath in these is regarded significant. The Agni Theertham refers to the ocean while the Koti theertham is located within the temple itself.

The Theerthams of the Temple inside the Corridor and their significance

1.   Mahalakshmi Theertham:
Location: South of the Hanuman Temple.
significance: Dharmarajan bathed here and became rich.

2.   Savithri Theertham:
Location: West of the Hanuman Temple.
significance: King Kasibar got rid of his curse.

3.   Gayathri Theertham:
Location: West of the Hanuman Temple
significance: King Kasibar got rid of his curse.

4.   Saraswathi Theertham:
Location: West of the Hanuman Temple
significance: King Kasibar got rid of his curse.

5.   Sethu madhava Theertham:
Location: The Tank at the third corridor
significance: One will get lakshmi’s blessings and purification of heart.

6.   Gandhamadana Theertham:
Location: In the area of the Sethumadhava Temple
significance: One will get riches and their sins will be absolved after getting rid of their penury.

7.   kavatcha Theertham:
Location: In the area of the Sethumadhava Temple
significance: One will not go to hell.

8.   Gavaya Theertham:
Location: In the area of the Sethumadhava Temple.
significance: Shelter under karpaga Virutchaga Tree.

9.   Nala Theertham:
Location: In the area of the Sethumadhava Temple.
significance: One will get Soorya Thejas and reach Heaven.

10.   Neela Theertham:
Location: In the area of the Sethumadhava Temple
significance: One will get the benefit of Samastha(entire) yaga and receive Agni Yoga.

11.   Sanku Theertham:
Location: In the inner corridor of the Temple.
significance: Vathsanaba, the Sage, got rid of his sin of ingratitude.

12.   Sakkara Theertham:
Location: In the inner corridor of the Temple.
significance: The Sun got His hand turned golden.

13.   Brahmahathi Vimochana Theertham:
Location: In the inner corridor of the Temple.
significance: Brahamahathi was absolved of his sins.

14.   Sooriya Theertham:
Location: In the inner corridor of the Temple.
significance: One will get the knowledge of the past present and the future and reach the worlds they want.

15.   Chandra Theertham:
Location: In the inner corridor of the Temple.
significance: One will get the knowledge of the past present and the future and reach the worlds they want.

16.   Ganga Theertham:
Location: In the inner corridor of the Temple.
significance: Gananasuruthi Rajah attained wisdom.

17.   Yamuna Theertham:
Location: In the inner corridor of the Temple.
significance: Gananasuruthi Rajah attained wisdom.

18.   Gaya Theertham:
Location: In the inner corridor of the Temple
significance: Gananasuruthi Rajah attained wishdom

19.   Siva Theertham:
Location: South of nandi Deva in the Temple
significance: Completion of Bhaira Brahmahathi

20.   Sadyamirtha Theertham:
Location: In the Amman Sannathi
significance: Emperor Bururoonu got rid of his curse.

21.   Sarva Theertham:
Location: In front of Lord Ramanatha’s sannathi
significance: Sutharishna got rid of his blindness(from birth), illness and old age and then he prospered.

22.   Kodi Theertham:
Location: In the first corridor of the Temple.
significance: Sri Krishna got rid of his Sin of killing his Uncle, kamsan.

Pazhani – Palani Tamil Nadu

Pazhani,or Palani is a famous temple in South India. is situated in a Palani, a holy place near Madurai, in Tamil Nadu India. It also known as Arulmigu Dandayudhapani Swami Devasthanam It is hill station. Pazhani Temple, Palani is one of the most visited temples in the region as number of devotees visit here every year. Various legends are associated with the origin of the temple according to the Hindu mythologies. Several historical stories relates to the establishment of the temple. The principal deity here is Lord Murugan.

According to beliefs, once the celestial sage Narada approached the abode of Lord Shiva in Mount Kailasha. Lord Shiva resided in the heavenly mountain with his consort Goddess Shakti and their two children, Lord Ganesh and Lord Subrahmanya. Sage Narada presented Lord Shiva with a mango. As the two children were eager to have a share of the fruit, the divine parents kept a condition. The fruit presented by the sage was not any ordinary fruit; it was the very fruit of knowledge (Jnana Pazham). Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi decreed that the first to complete circumambulating the universe would get the celestial fruit. In order to win the challenge Lord Subramanya mounted his peacock and went around the Universe while Vinayakar circumambulated his parents Shiva and Parvathi on the premise that they stood for the Universe and obtained the coveted fruit. Thus, by the denial faced by Lord Subramanya, he announced it as injustice and was angered. Consequently, he left Mount Kailasha and settled at Pazhani Malai or the Hill of Pazhani. Other legends also revolve around the creation of the Pazhani Temple, Palani.

The historical tales narrate that Idumban, a disciple of Sage Agasthayar was carrying two hillocks, Sivagiri and Sakthigiri, on his shoulders as Kavadi. He wanted to rest for a while and placed these hillocks on the ground. Lord Muruga, mischievously immobilized these hillocks and Idumban could not carry the Kavad any further. Scriptures depict that Cheaman Perumal, a ruler of Kerala, built the main temple around the 7th Century AD. Kings Jadavarman and Krishnadevaraya are also known to have generously donated for the temple construction. The Nayakars and Nagarathar community rulers were also involved in the construction of certain parts of the temple. The other areas of the temple were constructed in the period of Chera Kings during their rule of South Kongu Nadu. In the scriptures found in the sanctum sanctorium (Garbhagriha) dated 13th century it is known that Pandiyan Kings, Chola Kings also contributed greatly for the festivals held in this temple.

Pazhani Temple, Palani is related to the Fruit of Knowledge. It is one of the six padai vedu shrines of Murugan `Aarupadai veedu`. Lord Subramanya is also renowned as Murugan. Saint poet Nakkerar, in his songs in praise of Lord Senthil Andavar, places Palani in the third place amongst the six battle places (Arupadaiveedu) that Lord Muruga has fought to win over evil. The temple is dedicated to Lord Thandayuthapani or Lord Murugan the supreme commander of the celestial army. The shrine of Lord Murugan is situated at the top of the hill which is 500 feet in height. There are several theerthams enclosing around the hill. The old shrine Aavinnankudi is believed to have been constructed  2000 years ago. Lord Murugan, considered the deity of the Tamil Land Palani is the third Padai veru. The temple at present possesses a deity, dedicated to Boghar also. The Lord in the Pazhani Temple is seen holding the staff or Dhandam in his hand in a standing position. The appearance of the deity is like a man who had renounced the worldly pleasures. A small piece of loincloth covers his body. There are stories of divine Siddhar named Boghar establishing the idol of Dhandayuthapaani using navapashanam. It was made from the amalgamation of nine poisonous elements which on getting mixed develops highly curative powers for many ailments of the human body.

The architectural design of the Pazhani Temple, Palani is impressive. The temple is situated approximately at a height of 450 feet over the ground level. Around the Palani Hill there is a circumambulatory passage called Giri Veedi. At the foothills there is a shrine to Meenakshi Sundareswarar and PadiVinayakar. The inner sanctum is crowned with gold plated vimanam. The sanctum has shrines to Navaveera, Navadurga, the Saptamataas, Kailasanadar and Chandeswarar. Navadurga (Bhuvaneswari) is worshipped here with a Maragatalingam. There is  a shrine to Bhogasiddhar, the founder of this famous temple. The entrance to the inner temple is through Manikatti, and local chieftains constructed the Kattai gopuravaasal mandapams. The beautiful navaranga mandapam is supported by 12 pillars and is in front of the sanctum. The processional images are located in this mandapam. The golden Kavacham, the Thanga ratham and the Golden peacock vaaganam here are truly beautiful. The Palani malai hill temple and the Thiruvavinankudi temple at the foot hills form a unit. The Thiruvavinankudi temple is referred to as Kuzhandhaivelayudar temple and the Saravanpoigai tank near it.

Pazhani Temple, Palani can be visited from all parts of the country. The nearest airport to Palani is in Madurai and it is  at a distance of 119 kilometers. It is connected by rail and also by road . There is a small rail head at Palani but, it is recommended to travel up to Dindigal or Madurai by train and take the bus route or taxi to reach Palani. Palani is linked by road with all important cities in Tamil Nadu. There are regular buses to Madurai, Coimbatore, Chennai, and Dindigal. Devotees can reach the Pazhani Temple, Palani anytime of the day. The temple is functional throughout the day till 8 pm in the evening. Worships start in the early morning at 6 am and the temple is open all day until the last worship is conducted at 8 pm. Guests can pay homage to the Lord during the visiting hours in the Pazhani Temple.

Brihadeshwara Temple

The Brihadisvara temple (also spelled Brahadeeswarar temple) is an ancient Hindu temple located at Thanjavur in the state of Tamil Nadu, South India. This 10th century CE temple, Seeing its incredible beauty UNESCO’s has declared it as a World Heritage Sites, is a brilliant example of the Dravidian style of temple architecture. The central temple known as the Periya Koil (Big Temple) stands within a fort, whose walls are later additions built during the 16th century. The vimana (main tower) of the temple is about 70 m high and is the tallest in the world. You must visit to this ancient famous Hindu Temple to see the passion of the Cholas for art and architecture. The Chola dynasty made a significant contribution to India by erecting several famous temples. They spent lavishly on the constructions of these structures. Shiv Lingam in the shrine houses which was scooped from a single stone. Its height is 8.7 meters and devotees make offerings at it. During the times of the Cholas (900-1155 A.D.) temple arcitecture in the South reached its climax. The famous Chola temple built at Tanjavur (Tanjore) is known as the Brihadeshvara temple. It is also called the Rajarajeshwara temple after the name of king Rajaraja who built it in honour of Lord Shiva in about 1009 A.D. The Temple stands in the middle of a rectangular enclosure entered from the east through a gateway, now dilapidated. The Double pilastered walls of the sanctuary are elevated on a moulded basement with lions. Those on the central niches, on both storeys depict – Dakshinamurti(south) ,Vishnu(west) and Brahma(north).

The tourists flocking to the temple are bound to be astonished at the sight of its beautiful Gopuram(200 ft. high) and top cupola(weighing 81 tons). The gopuram was constructed in such a manner that its shadow never falls on the floor. Not only this as the temple itself never cast a shadow in the afternoon.  How brilliant its designing is! The most conspicuous feature of the temple is its height. The credit for its international fame of being the tallest temple in the world goes to its height which is 215 feet.

Meenakshi Temple Madurai

Sri Meenakshi Temple, Madurai, is the masterpiece of Indian architecture, is one of the largest and most ancient temples in India. The crowning glory of Madurai, The Indians Proudly call it as a Marvelous Cup in Indian Architecture.The enormous temple is dedicated to Shiva, popular here as Sundareshvara and his Ardhangini Parvati or Meenakshi. The original temple was built by Kulasekara Pandya, but the entire credit for making the temple as splendid as it is today goes to the Nayaks. The Nayaks ruled Madurai from the 16th to the 18th century and left a majestic imprint of their rule in the Meenakshi – Sundaresvara Temple. The temple complex is within a high-walled enclosure, at the core of which are the two sanctums for Meenakshi and Sundareshvara, surrounded by a number of smaller shrines and grand pillared halls. Especially impressive are the 12 Gopuras. Their soaring towers rise from solid granite bases, and are covered with stucco figures of deities, mythical animals and monsters painted in vivid colors.

Temple Towers

There are 12 temple towers (Gopurams). The outer towers are the landmarks of Madurai. They are:

East Tower (Nine Storeys). Height 161’3″. This Gopura has 1011 sudhai figures.

South Tower (Nine Storeys). Height 170’6″. This Tower has 1511 sudhai figures.

West Tower (Nine Storeys). Height 163’3″. This Tower has 1124 sudhai figures.

North Tower (Nine Storeys). Height 160’6″. This Tower has lesser figures of    sudhai than other outer towers.

Pyramidal gates(gopuras) rise to a height of more than 50m. These towering gateways indicate the entrance to the temple complex at the four cardinal points, while lesser gopuras lead to the sanctums of the main deities.

The pictures of deities on tower are repaired, repainted and ritually decorated every 12 years.

Meenakshi Nayakkar Mandapam   

This big hall is adjacent to Ashta Shakthi Mandapam, consisting of 110 pillars carrying the figures of a peculiar animal with a lion’s body , and an elephant’s head called Yalli.

The Thousand Pillar Mandapam   

It is the ‘wonder of the palace’. Actually the number of pillars counts to 985 beautifully decorated columns. Each pillar is sculptured and is a monument of the Dravidian sculpture. There is a Temple Art Museum in this 1000 pillars hall where you can see icons, photographs, drawings, etc., exhibiting the 1200 years old history. There are so many other smaller and bigger mandapams in the temple.

Just outside this mandapam, towards the west, are the Musical Pillars. Each pillar when stuck produces a different musical sounds. The kalyana mandapam, to the south of the pillared hall, in which the marriage of Shiva and Parvati is celebrated every year during the Chitirai Festival in middle of April.

Scholars from abroad have spoken thus,

Madurai, ‘It is in Madurai that one discovers the heart and soul of the Indian faith, thought systems and culture – dating back over several centuries. The mysticism that surrounds India takes on a real meaning in Madurai’.