Manimangalam Sri Kailaasanaadhar

Manimangalam village is located about 10 kms from Tambaram on the western side of Mudichur Road leading towards Padappai.

This village has a very high historic importance because of the huge battle fought here between Narasimhavarma Pallava and the Chalukya King Pulikesi II. This battle was fought in Manimangalam during 7th Century AD.

In ancient days, the lands along with temple were donated by the kings to the Vedic scholars for performing Vedic rituals for the well being of the country. Such villages were called as Chathurvedhi Mangalams. Manimangalam is one such village and was called as Grama Sikhamani Chathurvedhi Mangalam.

Apart from a beautiful, huge temple for Sri Dharmeswarar, Manimangalam also has another ancient temple for Lord Shiva called Sri Kailaasanaadhar. Goddess here is Sri Gnaanaambigai.

According to inscriptions, this temple was constructed during 950 AD by a Chozha king called Vijaya Baalaya Chozhan. Later, this temple has been renovated during various periods by Raja Raja Chozhan (985 AD), Rajendra Chozhan (1014 AD) and Kulothunga Chozhan (1070 AD).

One of the 63 Naayanmars called Siru Thonda Naayanar (originally a Chozha Chieftain called Paranjothi) is said to have worshipped the Lord here and also has offered number of Annadhaanams (free feeding) in this holy village.

Now the temple is in complete ruins. This dilapidated temple has been taken care by a trust and Balalayam is done for re-consecration (Kumbabhishegam) of the temple.

The Moolavar Sannidhi (Sanctum) is facing east and is totally damaged. It looks as if it will crumble down anytime. Though the structure looks so majestic and ancient it’s in a very poor state and needs great attention.

There is a beautiful Nandhi facing the Lord towards the sanctum.

There is also an exquisite Nandhi Mandapam a little away from Nandhigeswarar and facing the sanctum.

Even the roof for the sanctum is open and some PVC sheet is kept as the ceiling to cover the sanctum.

There is a beautiful Peepul tree at one corner of the temple site for which a nice platform is built around.

Many dilapidated idols of Nandhi, Sri Vinayagar and few more are kept in front of the sanctum, the sight of which makes our heart heavy.

Definitely the temple must have had huge properties in this ancient place and is sure to have been encroached by many.

Now a trust called ‘Arulmigu Thirukailayanathar Gnanambigai Educational & Charitable Trust’ is engaged in the service of the Lord by initiating the works towards the Kumbabhishegam.

Someone willing to help or to visit the temple shall contact: Arulmigu Thirukailayanathar Gnanambigai Educational & Charitable Trust’, C/o. Sri. S. Balasubramanian, Flat No. 1, Jayam Apartments, # 13, Rameswaram Road, T. Nagar, Chennai – 600017. Mobile : 98400 13132. email: kailayanathar@gmail.com.

Thirumullaivayil Sri Maasilaamaneeswarar

Thirumullaivayil is situated at the northwest suburbs of Chennai and is about 12 kms from the Padi Junction. One can reach Thirumullaivayil after crossing Ambathur and taking right driving about 5 kms.

Thirumullaivayil has an ancient Shiva Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva called Sri Maasilaamaneesarar. Among the 32 temples which are sung by Nayanmars in Thondai Mandalam, Thirumullaivayil stands 22nd of them. The Goddess here is Sri Kodiyidaiamman.

Legend has it that, there were two evil kings called Vaanan and Onan who belonged to the community called Kurumbars. These two Kurumbars were giving constant trouble to the then ruling king called Thondaimaan.

Thondaimaan, waged a war against Kurumbar to suppress them from creating trouble to his peaceful kingdom. These Kurumbars fought against Thondaimaan with the help of Sri Bhairavar. The King Thondaimaan, returned unsuccessfully after fighting with Kurumbars. On his way, when he was riding on an elephant, he found that the jasmine creepers encircled his elephant’s leg and obstructed his way. The king angrily whipped his sword on the creepers and blood started flowing from the place where he whipped.

The king got down from his elephant and found that there was a Shiva Lingam and he had whipped his sword on the Lingam itself and hence it was bleeding. Thondaimaan felt guilty of his deed and tried killing himself with his sword. Lord Shiva gave dharshan to Thondaimaan and said that though He was injured by the king’s sword, He would be giving dharshan without any scar on His idol and hence he would be called Maasilaamaneeswarar. (God, without any scar).

Lord Shiva, also directed His Nandhi to accompany the king to help him win the war. Hence Nandhi here is seen facing the opposite direction instead of facing Lord Shiva in the sanctum.

The king, Thondaimaan, who won the battle against kurumbars (Vaanan and Onan) destroyed their forts and brought two (Vellerukku) pillars from there and installed them to form a temple for Sri Maasaalaamaneeswarar. Even today, one can find two strong (Vellerukku) pillars in front of the sanctum of Lord Sri Maasilaamaneesarar.

Another feature of this temple is, both the Lord and the Goddess are be facing east as the Lord gave dharshan to Thondaimaan in a hurry, on his way from the battle field. Usually, one can see the Goddess on the left side of the Lord and here She is seen on the right side.

It is said that when full moon day and Friday fall on the same day, it is auspicious to worship Sri Thiruvudai Amman at Melur in the morning, Thiruvotriyur Sri Vadivudaiamman in the noon and Sri Kodiyidaiamman here in the evening, on the same day, which is equivalent to the pilgrimage to Kaasi and Raameswaram.

The Lord here is not performed any Abhishegam,as he has an injury on his body caused by the king blowing his sword. Only the Sandhana Kaappu (Sandal Paste) is applied on the Lord throughout the year and once a year during the Thamizh month of Chithirai on the Sadhayam star day, a new Sandhana Kaappu is applied again to the Lord.

Ancient saints like Sri Arunagirinaadhar, Sri Sundharar and Sri Vallalaar have visited this temple and have sung praise on the Lord here. Sri Arunagirinaadhar has sung a special Vada Thirumullaivayil Thiruppugazh here, which is inscribed on stone in the temple.

The temple is built on a very vast space and has very wide praakaarams. The entire structure is too ancient that one can easily feel the age and divinity of the temple.

A tall Dhwjasthambham (flag staff) in front of the sanctum, adds glory to the whole temple.

Nandhi is seen facing east instead of facing the Lord.

Around the praakaaram, there are shrines for Lord Ganesha and Sri Balasubramanyar.

There is a separate shrine for Kusalavapureeswarar on the outer praakaaram (might be worshipped by Lava and Kusa, the sons of Rama, as there are many temples around Chennai, worshipped by them).

There is also a separate shrine for Sri Bhairavar on the outer praakaaram.

The sanctum and the Vimaanam are of Gajabrishta shape, which looks like the back of sleeping elephant.

The Koshta Moorthies give Dharshan at their respective directions around the inner praakaaram.

There is also a statue for Sri Thondaimaan Chakravarthy at the praakaaram, who built this temple.

The Sthala Viruksham for this temple is Vellerukku which is seen at the outer praakaaram.

The Theertham for this temple is Kalyaana Theertham, which is huge and beautiful , present opposite the temple.

A beautiful 16 pillared stone mandapam is present in front of the temple, facing the entrance.

There is also couple of ancient inscriptions dating about 1915 and beyond, mentioning about the donations made to the temple welfare by one Pachaiyappa Mudaliar & a lady called Chellammal for the maintenance of the temple.
This wonderful temple is within the easy reach from Chennai city and is worth spending a day.

Koyambedu Sri Kurungaaleeswarar

Koyambedu is situated at the north western side of Chennai. An ancient temple for Lord Shiva is located in Koyambedu where the main deity is Sri Kurungaaleeswarar and Goddess Sri Dharmasamvardhani (also called Aram Valartha Naayagi).

Inscriptions which date back to Kulothunga Chozha III and Vijayanagara kings, informs about various contributions made to the temple. Inscriptions also reveal the political bifurcation of the place as Kulothunga Chozha Valanadu, part of Puliyur Kottam belonging to Jayankonda Chozha Mandalam.

It is also said that the names of this place in ancient days were as Kosai Nagar, Koyattipuram and Prayachithapuram. Kulothunga Chozha is said to have ruled in the 12th Century and hence it is said that the temple was constructed during his period.

The main deity Sri Kurungaaleeswarar is also called as Sri Kusalavapureeswarar. It is said that Lava and Kusa, sons of Sri Rama stayed with Sage Valmiki in his Ashram along with their mother Sita Devi.

There are few other places too in and around Chennai like Thiruvaanmiyur and Siruvapuri, where Sage Valmiki had his Ashram when Lava and Kusa stayed with him.

The legend of this temple connects to Ramayana period, when Sita Devi was sent to forest by Sri Rama. Sita was under the care of Sage Sri Valmiki during that period and also gave birth to her 2 sons Lava and Kusa.

When Sri Rama sent the Aswamedha horse around the country, Lava and Kusa brought the horse to their custody. Without knowing that it was His sons who captured the horse, Sri Rama sent Lakshmana who fought a battle with them. As Lava and Kusa fought against their own uncle, they acquired a Dhosham called Gothra Dhosham. To be relieved of it, it is said that, they installed and worshipped Lord Shiva in this place.

The presiding deity Sri Kurungaaleeswarar is too small as it was installed by two small kids. This wonderful temple has stood strong across centuries and still has not lost its originality.

There are beautiful stone pillared praakaarams around the sanctum. Another beautiful stone pillared Mandapam is found in front of the temple, in which Sri Sarabeswarar is seen on one of the pillars facing west. Special Poojas are performed to Sri Sarabeswarar on all Sundays during Raahu Kaalam.
At the outer praakaaram Sri Vinayagar shrine is located at the south west corner of the temple.

Sri Visaalaakshi Samedha Sri Kaasi Viswanathar shrine and Sri Valli Devasena Samedha Sri Subramanyar shrine are located adjacent to each other behind the sanctum.

Sri Nandhigeswarar is seen on the outer praakaaram facing the presiding deity.

The temple also maintains a beautiful garden (Nandhavanam) along the outer praakaaram.

Ambaal Sri Dharmasamvardhani is beautiful and is seen in standing posture.

The Sthala Viruksham for this temple is ‘Palaa Maram’ (Jack tree) which is located on the outer praakaram.

The theertham for this temple is called Lava Kusa Theertham which is believed to have been created by the two sons of Sri Rama.

There are many beautiful sculptures all around the temple and on the pillars.

Few of them are Sri Rama performing Pooja to Lord Shiva, Lord Shiva punishing Yama to save Markandeyan and Kannappa Naayanar.

There is another temple adjacent to which is dedicated to Maha Vishnu called Sri Vaikunda Vaasa Perumal temple, which is again formed by Lava and Kusa.

Wonderful temple and worth visiting.

Kovur Sri Sundhareswarar

Kovur is a small town situated about 22 kms from Chennai, on the road going from Porur towards Kunrathur. The temple is located about 200 meters off the main road.

Kovur has a massive temple for Lord Shiva built by Kulothunga Chozha, dating back to 7th century. The main deity of this temple is Sri Sundhareswarar (also called Thirumaeneeswarar) and Goddess Sri Soundharaambigai (also called Thiruvudai Naayagi).

According to legend, Goddess Kamakshi was performing thapas on Panchagni (fire) in Maangaadu praying Lord Shiva to marry Her. Her penance was so intense that the whole surroundings became too hot and all living beings suffered because of enormous heat. But Lord Shiva was meditating deeply with His eyes closed. Sages and Devas worshipped Lord Vishnu to save the world from the heat of the penance. Lord Vishnu directed Sri Mahalakshmi to save the world.

Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi came down here to this place in the form of a cow and worshipped Lord Shiva to make Him open the eyes, so that the world is saved. Pleased with Her prayers, Lord Shiva opened His eyes, after which the heat of the place subsided and became cooler.

As Sri Mahalakshmi worshipped here in the form of a cow, the place came to be known as Kopuri (In Thamizh, Ko means cow) and later corrupted to become Kovur. At later stages Kulothunga Chozha had built this temple beautifully.

The temple is facing south with a beautiful 7 tiered Rajagopuram. The entire Sannadhi street itself is so beautiful with shady trees and ancient houses.

This temple is one among the Navagraha temples of Chennai (or Thondai Mandalam) for Sri Budhan (Mercury).

Lord Sri Sundhareswarar and Goddess Sri Soundharaambigai are said to be so beautiful here and hence they are called so. It is said that, by worshipping Sri Sundhareswarar, one will be cured of many ailments. The temple has undergone Kumbhabhishekam (consecration) recently and looks fresh and new.

Other deities present in the temple are Sri Veerabadhrar, Sri Valli Devasena Samedha Sri Subramanyar and Navagrahams. All 63 Naayanmaars are also present in this temple.

Saint Thyagaraja has visited this temple on his way to Thirupathi. It is said that Saint Thyagaraja traveled on a palanquin towards Thirupathi and passed through this place. He also visited this temple on his way. A local headman called Sundharesan asked the saint to compose and sing some songs on him. Thyagarajar refused and said that he won’t sing praise of any individual and he will sing praise of God only and left Kovur.

While going from Kovur, his palanquin was obstructed by a group of bandits who threw stones on the palanquin and his servants to stop him from going further. The saint Thyagaraja stopped and got down from the palanquin to explain the bandits that he was not so rich to be robbed and also he was on a pilgrimage to Thirupathi. The bandits came near Thyagaraja and asked him who threw the stones back at them. Thyagaraja told them that there were no other people with them except the carriers of palanquin. But the thieves told that they saw 2 youngsters furiously throwing back the stones on them to save Thyagaraja. Saint Thyagaraja realized that they were none other than Sri Rama and Sri Lakshmana who came to his rescue.

Saint also realized that there is some holy power to this place and again came back to Kovur temple and sung 5 compositions (Keerthanas) called ‘Kovur Pancharathnam’. The local headman was too proud thinking that Saint Thyagaraja sung in praise of him only. But the saint explained him that the 5 compositions were made in praise of the Lord Sri Sundhareswarar and not the individual called Sundhareswaran. The Kovur Pancharatnams are "Ee Vasudha" (Sahaana Raagam), "Kori Sevimpa" (Karaharapriya Raagam), "Sambo Mahadeva" (Pantuvarali Raagam), "Nammi Vachina" (Kalyani Raagam) and "Sundareswaruni" (Sankarabharanam Raagam).

Most of the compositions of Saint Thyagaraja are in praise of Lord Rama only. This is one of the few places where he had composed Keerthanas on other Gods.

Sri Sekkizhaar, who was born in the nearby place ‘Kunrathur’, started writing ‘Periya Puranam’ from this temple only.

Another rarity of this temple is the Sthala Viruksham called Maha Vilvam tree. The Maha Vilvam of this temple is a very rare one that each stalk of Maha Vilvam has 27 leaves to it. This Maha Vilvam also has many medicinal properties in it.

The Theertham for this temple is called Siva Gangai Theertham. This temple also has a beautiful chariot which requires renovation.

Such another marvelous temple, standing tall across centuries is definitely a boon to pilgrims.