Ponneri Sri Agatheeswarar

 Ponneri is a small town in Thiruvallur district, located about 38 kms north western side of Chennai. From Chennai, one has to drive past the Padi junction on Chennai - Kolkata highway to reach Thachur cross roads (koot road). From Thachur cross road junction, one has to take right turn and drive about 5 kms to reach Ponneri.

Ponneri has an ancient temple for Lord Shiva by which is said to be over 2500 years old. The main deity here is Sri Agastheeswarar and Goddess Sri Anandavalli.

According to the legend, the Lord here is said to have been worshipped by the ancient sage Sri Agasthiyar himself. The ancient name of this place is Kumbamuni Mangalam. Sage Agasthiar is also known as Kumbamuni, as he once collected the whole of river Cauvery into his holy pot (Kamandalam) to bring down the force of the river.

It is said that Sage Agasthiar had stayed in this place for years while he was travelling in the Southern part of India. Sage Agasthiyar was caught with severe stomach ache while he was passing this side and he found this temple, stayed here and worshipped the Lord to get relieved of his pain. The Lord who was pleased with his prayers appeared to him and relieved him from his pains.

Since, sage Agasthiyar worshipped the Lord here; the God came to be known as Sri Agatheeswarar. One can see a lot of temples in this part of Tamilnadu in which the main deity Lord Shiva is called as Agastheeswarar. It is said that Sage Agasthya installed and worshipped about 108 Shiva Lingas in various places here and the 108th Shiva Linga being Sri Ashtotheeswarar (or Nootretteeswarar which means 108th Shiva) at Chinnakkaavanam near this town Ponneri.

The temple is built on a very vast land and is highly scenic and beautiful, which has stood strong across centuries. The temple is facing east and has a wonderful 3 tiered Rajagopuram which welcomes us into the temple.

There is a beautiful pond outside the temple which is called Agasthya Theertham which serves as the Theertham for the temple. 

There is a grand Dwajasthambham (flag post) at the outer praahaaram of the temple once we enter the temple.

There is an ancient Nandhi in a small mandapam just in front of the Dhwajasthambham facing the west towards the sanctum.

A wonderful stone mandapam with multiple pillars and meticulous carvings is present in front of the Nandhi, which takes us towards the sanctum.

The Lord Sri Agastheeswarar is present in the sanctum with divine silence and excellent vibrations. The sanctum is built in Gajabrishta shape (also called Thoongaanai Maadam), which is in the shape of the back of a sleeping elephant. This type of architecture is seen in many of the temples built by the Chozha kings.

Goddess Sri Anandavalli is seen adjacent to the sanctum with a motherly smile showing lots of grace and mercy to the worshippers. The Dwarapaalikaas statues are found guarding the Goddess’s shrine near the entrance on either side.

Lord Dhakshinamurthy (Guru) is seen facing south on the outer wall of the sanctum.

This temple has received many donations in form of lands and gold during the Chola period. There are sculptures of Raja Raja Chola 1 on the pillars.

Also there are images of Rajendra Chola and Mummudi Chola on the pillars, which have visited the temple during various periods and offered lots of grants to this temple for renovation and maintenance.

There is also an image of one of the later Vijayanagara Kings which is present on the pillars of the mandapam. This temple also has received various grants and patronage by Vijayanagara kings.

In one of the pillars, sage Agasthiar is also carved to mark his stay here and his penance towards Lord Sri Agastheeswarar.

The outer praahaaram is huge and peaceful with pleasing breeze. All the walls of the outer praahaaram are painted with lots of Thamizh hymns in praise of various Gods. The entire temple is very neat and maintained well, though it received very less visitors, unless auspicious days like Pradhosham, Sivarathri and Aarudhra.

There is a magnificent 16 pillared stone mandapam outside the temple, adjacent to the temple pond with lot of beautiful sculptures on it, providing shelter to cattle and few homeless people.

The temple is open till 12 pm and again opens at 4 pm till 8 pm.

Overall, Sri Agastheeswarar temple is just another masterpiece to our temple architecture and our heritage. A ‘must see’ place for temple lovers.

Thiruverkaadu Sri Karumaari Amman

Thiruverkaadu is situated about 20 kms from Chennai city. It lies on the road branching out off Mount Poondhamalli Road near Kumananchaavadi.

Apart from an ancient temple for Lord Shiva called as Sri Vedhapureeswarar temple, Thiruverkaadu also has a temple for Sri Karumaari Amman, which is more popular in Chennai.

According to the legend, once Sri Karumaari Amman took form of a fortune teller and went to Sun God for predicting his future. Sri Surya Bhagawan neglected Her and Sri Ambaal vanished from his sight, because of which Sun God lost his powers and glory. Then Surya Bhagawan realized that it was none other than the Goddess Herself and came and worshipped her here at Thiruverkaadu, seeking apologies. Goddess pardoned him with mercy and Sri Surya Bhagawan requested her to bless that Sunday (Sun God’s day) be the auspicious day for the Devi here. Goddess obliged to it. Also the Sun God spread His rays on the Goddess here during the Thamizh months Panguni and Purattaasi to show His devotion to the Goddess.

In ancient days, this place was a forest filled with VeLvela trees (வெள்வேல மரம்) and hence was called as Velankaadu (வேலங்காடு), which later turned to get its present name. It is also said that Lord Muruga, before His battle with the demon king Surapadhman, got His weapon ‘Vel’ (வேல்) from Sri Karumaari Amman here and so the place was called as Velankaadu.

It is said that Sri Vinayagar (Lord Ganesha) worshipped the Goddess here by performing Abhishegam using Valampuri Sanghu (Conch). The Goddess got pleased with His worship and blessed Him that the poojas at the temple will first be performed to Sri Vinayagar and then to Her. Sri Vinayagar can be seen present in the temple just as we enter the temple near the Dhwajasthambham. While entering the temple, one has to pray Him and then go further to worship Sri Karumaari Amman.

Once, when the Asuras gave troubles to Devas, they came and worshipped Lord Shiva at Thiruverkaadu, to save them. Lord Shiva called His Devi Sri Verkanni and directed Her to look after His duties till He is back from Devaloka. Lord Shiva gave her the holy ashes from His body and blessed Her. The Goddess asked Sage Agasthiyar to look for a holy place where she can perform the heavenly duties assigned by Lord Shiva. When Sage Agasthiyar was thinking of such place, he heard an Asareeri (அசரீரி – a holy voice) saying that the place where he was standing itself is a holy place. Goddess took abode here as Sri Karumaari Amman and also blessed the place that one will be removed of all the sins by worshipping Her at Thiruverkaadu.

Thiruverkaadu is the place where all 3 Gods, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva have worshipped the Goddess. Hence She is called as Sri Karumaari here. Ka means Brahma, Ru means Rudhra or Shiva, and Ma means Vishnu.

The temple here is facing east. There is a beautiful Rajagopuram to enter the temple. Once we enter Sri Vinayagar is seen on an elevated shrine under a tree.

After crossing Sri Vinayagar, the sanctum of Goddess Sri Karumaari Amman is seen. The Goddess is facing east. It is said that originally the Goddess evolved from an ant hill. Amman is so beautiful with a smiling face and decorated well with lots of flowers.

Sri Subramanyar is found at the praakaaram around the sanctum. Navagrahas are found at the north eastern side of the temple. Sri Brahma is found on one of the walls facing north.

There is another small shrine adjacent to this temple, where a huge ant hill is found under a Peepul tree. Devotees offer milk and eggs for the snakes in this ant hill. Camphors are also lit here to offer worship. The entire ant hill is yellow in color as devotees have applied turmeric powder on it.

The temple pond is found in front of the temple which is so beautiful with a small Mandapam in the middle.

A tall and beautiful temple Chariot is parked in a separate Mandapam adjacent to the temple.

Thiruverkaadu attracts thousands of devotees and tourists everyday from various parts of the country. Sri Ambaal here is believed to be so powerful granting the wishes of the devotees worshipping her.

Kaaladi Sri Aadhi Sankarar

Kaaladi is a very small village located in Kerala, about 1 hour by road from Ernakulam (Kochi). Kaaladi can also be reached by train. Nearest railway station is Angamali. From Angamali, Kaaladi is about half an hour by road.

Kaaladi is the birth place of Sri Aadhi Sankarar, who lived during 8th century BC. There lived a couple belonging to Namboodhiri (a Brahmin sect) family by name Sivaguru and Aryaamba. Sivaguru was a well learned man who excelled in Vedas and Saastras. They lead a happy life but with constant worry that they didn’t have children.

The couple went and prayed Vadakkunnathar (Lord Shiva) at Thrissur for 48 days with fullest devotion. Lord Shiva, who was delighted with their prayers, appeared in Sivaguru’s dream and asked whether he would prefer many ordinary children who will live long or just one intellectual son who will be short lived. Sivaguru humbly left the choice to Lord Shiva Himself, saying that God knows what the devotee deserves.

Lord Shiva was pleased with the attitude of Sivaguru and the Lord Himself chose to be born to the couple. Aryaamba gave birth to a beautiful male child on Aarudhra star and the couple named him Sankaran.

Sankaran grew up as an intelligent child in the village. He started his ‘Aksharaabyaasam’ (Vidhyaarambh or start studying) at the age of 3. Sankaran missed his father at the age of 4. Aryaamba with the support of others in the village performed ‘Upanayanam’ (ceremony to adorn holy thread) to Sankaran at his 5th year, after which he was sent to Gurukulam to learn Vedas and scriptures. Sankaran excelled in everything he learnt and everyone admired Sankaran’s knowledge and wisdom.

As per tradition, Brahmachari in Gurukulam has to go house to house seeking Bhiksha (alms) and has to submit it to his Guru. One day, as part of his everyday practice, Sankaran went on the streets for Bhiksha. He went to a poor woman’s house on a Dwaadasi day and asked for Bhiksha from the door. It was a very small hut, where lived alone a lady without any food for her day. The lady got worried as she did not have any grains at home. Also refusing to offer Bhiksha to a Brahman was considered a sin those days. That was a Dwadasi day and the woman remembered that she had kept a small ‘Amla’ fruit for herself to break the fast on Dwadasi (Hindus observe fast on Ekadasi day and end their fasting on Dwadasi).

The poor woman took out that single ‘Amla’ fruit and offered it in the Sankaran’s bowl. Sankaran got stirred by the selflessness and willingness of the lady by offering the only fruit she had for herself. Sankaran instantly composed and chanted slokas on Goddess Sri Lakshmi and prayed her. The sloka is called ‘Kanakadhaara Sthothram’. Soon after he completed reciting, Sri Lakshmi appeared and poured a rain of Golden Amlas into the lady’s house from the roof.

Even today, Kanakadhaara Sthothram is recited by many to get rid of poverty and to earn good wealth. The house where Sankaran chanted Kanakadhaara Sthothram is still found near Perumbavoor (a neighboring place to Kaaladi) and the house is called ‘Swarnathumanai’ (Swarnam means Gold and Manai means house).

There was a river by name ‘Poorna’ (today’s Periyar River) which was flowing through this village at a distance from Sankaran’s house. Aryaamba had a practice of bathing in Poorna river everyday and worshipping Lord Krishna (their family deity) at the temple, which was on the banks of Poorna. One day while Aryaamba was returning after bathing, fell fainted. Hearing this, Sankaran went and brought her back home. Aryaamba told Sankaran that she was getting older and not able to walk such a distance.

Sankaran understood his mother’s difficulty and came out of the house, prayed to Sri Ganga Devi and marked a curved line on the ground using the thumb of his foot. As Sankaran was none other than the Lord, river Poorna took a bend and started flowing through the back yard of Sankaran’s house. Even today, if viewed from a height, we can see river Poorna taking a bend near Sri Sankara’s place.

Sankaran completed his Gurukulam successfully and learnt everything with ease. When he was 8, he started participating in debates with scholars and many learned scholars came to meet him to get clarifications. Aryaamba was too happy to see his son to be so wise. She wanted to see Sankaran get married soon.

Sankaran realized the purpose of his birth and wanted to undertake ‘Sanyaasam’ from earthly bondings. But he knew that Aryaamba won’t allow him to be a Sanyaasi as he was her only son.

One day Sankaran was bathing in the river Poorna while Aryaamba finished bathing and was waiting for Sankaran to finish. Suddenly, a crocodile caught hold of Sankaran’s leg and he started screaming out of pain. Sankara tried much to get relieved of his leg from crocodile’s mouth, but couldn’t. Aryaamba screamed for help and prayed God to rescue her son.

Sankaran told his mother that his life is short and only if she allows him to become a Sanyaasi he can get relieved of himself from the crocodile. Aryaamba didn’t know what to do. She got reminded of Lord Shiva’s boon to Sivaguru. But Sankaran said only if he becomes a Sanyaasi, his lifetime would get extended because Sanyaas is like another birth. Aryaamba only wanting to see her son alive promised that she would allow him to undertake Sanyaas. The crocodile set Sankaran free.

Aryaamba was too worried about Sankaran undertaking Sanyaas, as he is the only son who is responsible to cremate her after death. Sankaran with mother’s blessings prepared himself to be a Sanyaasi. He also promised his mother that during her last days he would personally come back home and perform the rites, though being a Sanyaasi.

When Sankara set to start his divine journey, heard a heavenly voice of Lord Krishna. The voice told him that, as the river Poorna was diverted in a different direction and the temple then was not in the right place it meant to be. It also directed him to install the idol and the temple in proper location on the banks of the river. Sankaran took Lord Krishna’s words and re-installed Lord Krishna’s idol on the banks of Poorna River before he left the village. Even today one can see the Krishna temple on the banks of river Poorna which is located near Sri Sankara Mutt.

Though Sankarar took Sanyaas by himself, he went in search of a Guru who was required to initiate him formally as Sanyaasi and to guide him through his new mission. He traveled across the country and reached the banks of river Narmadha. When Sankarar reached there, Narmadha was gushing out with heavy floods, which he felt would affect the people. Sankarar with his divine power collected the gushing water into his Kamandalam (a small container in which Sanyaasis carry water for Pooja) and poured it on the banks. Immediately Narmadha stopped flooding wildly and started flowing gently.

A sage by name Sri Govindha Bhagavathpaadhar who was meditating on the banks of the river saw this act of Sankara and enquired about him. Sankarar introduced himself. Sri Govindha Bagavathpaadhar was happy to know about Sankara and also realized that he is none other than Lord Shiva, willingly accepted Sankara, the Bala Sanyaasi as his disciple.

Sri Govindha Bhagavathpaadhar taught him Adhvaitha philosophy and wanted Sankarar to spread it around the world. The Guru also advised him to write ‘Bhaashyam’ for Brahma Suthra based on Adhvaitha philosophy. Brahma Suthra was originally written by Veda Vyaasa. Sri Govindha Bagavathpaadhar conferred him the name Sri Sankara Bhagavathpaadhar and asked him to go and serve the world with his preachings. Sri Sankarar was just 12 by then.

Sri Sankarar reached ‘Kaasi’ (Varanasi) where he stayed and worshipped Sri Kaasi Viswanathar and Sri Annapoorni Devi everyday. He also started explaining Vedas and Saastras to people there. His fame spread across the country. Sri Sankaraacharya got many good disciples.

One day while Sri Sankaraacharya was walking down in a narrow lane towards Ganges, a Chandaala (one who performs cremation - சண்டாளன்) came opposite to him. He was seen with his wife and having 4 dogs. Sri Sankaraacharya saw him obstructing his path and told him to keep away. The Chandaala asked Sankara “According to the principles you practice, the Jeevaathma and the God are one and the same. If so, how am I different from you? When Aathma is the same in everyone, how do you ask me to keep away? Or how do I keep away from myself? Should I keep my body or my Aathma away?”

Sri Sankaraacharya was shocked to hear such words of wisdom from a Chandaala and realized that he is none other than Lord Shiva. He also realized his ignorance and instantly conveyed his obeisance through a composition of 5 Slokas called “Manisha Panchakam”. Before he could finish reciting, the Chandaala vanished and Lord Shiva appeared to him with Goddess Sri Visalakshi and the 4 dogs appeared as 4 Vedas.

When Sri Sankaraacharya was about 16, an old Brahmin met him and debated with Him on the Bhaashyam he wrote for Brahma Suthra. The old man had various arguments with Sri Sankaraacharya which continued for 8 days after which Sri Sankaraacharya realized that the old man was none other than Sage Veda Vyaasa himself. Sri Sankaraacharya prostrated before Sage Vyaasa and apologized for entering into an argument with the original author himself. Sage Vyaasa blessed him and told that he tested Sri Sankaraacharya only to establish to the world that the Bhaashyam (commentary) written by him was perfect. Also the Sage blessed Sri Sankaraacharya with another 16 years of life.

There was a well learned person called Mandana Mishra in a place called Mahishmathi (presently Bihar), who followed the Meemaamsa philosophies. He had a well learned wife called Sarasawani who was extremely intellectual. Sri Sankaraacharya met Mandana Mishra and invited him for a debate. Mandana Mishra initially refused but later agreed to it.

Sri Sankaraacharya won over him and made him His disciple. He also paid respects to the wife of Mandana Mishra as Goddess Saraswathi. He walked down towards south and wanted to establish his Mutts in few places. At one place He found that a snake was holding shadow as an umbrella for a frog and he decided that it was the place where He wanted to establish an Aashram, because of the fact that even the enemy animals were supporting each other in that place. Also a sage called Rishya Sringar had his Ashram during Ramayana period, in that hill station called Rishya Sringa Parvadham.

This place is known as Sringeri where He installed and worshipped Sri Saradha Devi (who was Sarasawani) there and formed a Mutt. It is called Sringeri Sri Saradha Peetam today.

One fine day He realized that His mother Aryaamba was in her death bed and rushed to His village Kaaladi. He met His mother there and chanted Slokas for her peaceful death. But later realized that she was afraid of the Shiva Ganas who came to receive her and chanted different Slokas so that Aryaamba’s soul would depart without fear with chants of Sri Maha Vishnu Slokas.

After the death of His mother Aryaamba, the native villagers didn’t allow Sri Sankara to perform the last rites as He was a Sanyasi and didn’t allow him to the burial ground for cremation. Sri Sankara cremated His mother in the back yard of their own house and started His divine journey around the country.

It is said that even today in Kaaladi, people cremate their dead in the family in their own back yards.

Thus Sri Sankara traveled across, spreading His philosophy to nook and corner of this holy country. He was the one who ended the Kaapaalika way of worship and initiated 6 ways of worships (called Shanmadham – means 6 religions or ways of worship) among the people. The Shanmadhams taught by Him were Souram (Surya worship), Saaktham (Shakthi worship), Gaanaapathyam (Ganesha worship), Kaumaaram (Lord Muruga worship), Saivam (Lord Shiva worship), and Vaishnavam (Lord Vishnu worship).

Also while traveling across this country He installed Sri Chakras at various temples to bring down the fierce of Sri Shakthi including Maangaadu in Tamilnadu (Chennai).

He is said to have gone towards north and performed penance at the Himalayas during His last days and attained Moksha. Also there is a belief that He spent His last days at Kanchipuram where He formed another Mutt (Ashram). He is believed to be an incarnation of Sri Dhakshinamurthy (Lord Shiva) Himself. Like Kanchi and Sringeri, Sri Sankara formed the Mutts in few other places in the country.

Even today the birth place of Sri Sankara is present at Kaaladi and the Samaadhi of His mother Aryaamba is found in the temple which is located on the banks of river Poorna. Sri Saradha Devi is present at the temple. Sri Ganesha and Sri Sankarar are also seen in separate shrines in the temple.

Sri Vedha Purusha (a huge Vedha Book) is kept in the temple and is worshipped.

A wonderful Mutt which is also a temple, with Vedic chanting throughout the day quenches the thirst of the soul.

Sri Sankara’s service to the mankind, this country and our religion is unmatchable and unimaginable. If we do the poojas or rituals in any of the temples at present, all those ways of performing them were formulated by Him and followed by generations. Sri Aadhi Shankara has composed many hymns and Slokas including Bhaja Govindam which is soul stirring. His Maathru Panchakam tells about the importance of mother.

Sankara Jayanthi and many other festivals are celebrated with pomp at Kaaladi Shrine. Kaaladi is a very peaceful and blissful place in God’s own country, which must be visited at least once in the lifetime.

Hara Hara Shankara! Jaya Jaya Shankara!

Vallam Sri Vedhaantheeswarar & Sri Giri Varadharaaja Perumaal

Vallam is a small village near Chengalpattu. While going from Chennai, one has to take left from Chengalpattu on the Mahabalipuram Road and Vallam is located on the 3rd Km from Chengalpattu. A small pathway from the main road leads to the village.

Vallam has a beautiful small hillock on which two wonderful rock cut temples are found. There are steps leading to the temples. According to the inscriptions found, these temples are said to have been built during the period of Mahendravarma Pallava. Inscriptions also reveal the ancient name of the place as Valla Naadu under Kalathur Kottam.

On the left hand side there is a temple for Lord Shiva called Sri Vedhaantheeswarar. Goddess here is Sri Gnaanaambigai. This is perhaps the only place where one can have dharshan of Sri Vinayagar, Sri Subramanyar, Lord Shiva, Sri Ambaal and Sri Sandigeswarar from the same place where we stand. Lord Muruga here is called as Sri Muthukumaaraswami.

Unlike other Shiva temples, here Goddess Sri Gnaanaambigai is facing the east. Sri Gnaanaambigai looks like a very new idol with clear details and is beautifully decorated with silk saree. The face has so much of Thejas and benevolence. The Dwarapaalakaas are so exquisitely sculpted in life size. The Soolam and Mazhu, which are the weapons of Lord Shiva, are carried by the Dwaarapaalakaas here. It is said that, in this temple, during Pradhosham, the Abishegams are first performed to Dwaarapaalakaas and then to Sri Vedhaantheeswarar and finally to Sri Nandhigeswarar. Now a concrete structure is built around this temple for convenience.

It is said that during the sunrise, the rays from the Sun fall directly on the Lord like a garland.

On the right hand side there is a temple for Sri Giri Varadharaaja Perumaal. Sri Perumaal is seen here with his consorts Sri Devi and Bhu Devi. Dwaarapaalakaas are found outside the sanctum.

Unusually, Sri Durgai is found in the Perumaal temple facing south instead of north as found in Shiva temples. According to the inscriptions, it is found that a lady called Kommai (கொம்மை), daughter of a Pallava King has installed Sri Durgai in this temple 1300 years back.

The temple pond is called as Sivaganga Pushkarani, the water from which is used for Abishegams to the Gods.

Pradhosham and all other Saivite and Vaishnavite festivals are done here at these temples. On usual days, priest visits the temple once a day for daily rituals. But one can have dharshan even in the absence of the priest.

Nice temple with serene ambience with excellence of Pallava architecture.