Famous Shiva Temples established by Lord Murugan around Tiruvannamalai – Part 2 of 5  (Sapta Karaikanda Sthalams and Sapta Kailaya Sthalams)

Details of Sapta Karai Kanda Sthalams, Sapta Kailaya Sthalams, Karaikandeswarar Temple, Kanji, Kadaladi, Mambakkam , Thenmahadevimangalam, Elathur, Poondi , Kuruvimalai , Mandakolathur , Karaipoondi ,Thenpallipattu , Palankovil , Narthampoondi ,Thamaraipakkam, Vasudevanpattu
Neepathurai, Munugapattu , Padavedu are given

Index of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Sapta Karai Kanda Sthalams & Sapta Kailaya Sthalams
  3. Sapta Karai Kanda Sthalams 
  4. Sapta Kailaya Sthalams 
  5. Ambal Temples

1. Introduction

Part I of the Blog covers temples in the Girivalam and Famous Ashrams in Tiruvannamalai.

Part II covers Shiva Temples within 50 Kms radius  of Tiruvannamalai including Sapta Karai Kanda Sthalams and Sapta Kailasam Sthalams and Ambal / Devi Temples

Part III Covers Padal Petra Sthalams and Vaipu Sthalams within 50 Kms radius  of Tiruvannamalai

Part IV covers Vishnu Temples within 50 Kms radius  of Tiruvannamalai   

Part V : covers  Other Shiva Temples ,,Murugan Temples and  Other Ashrams / Temples

Temples within 50 Kms radius of Tiruvannamalai are given below

2. Sapta Karai Kanda Sthalams & Sapta Kailaya Sthalams

Sapta Karai Kanda Sthalams :  Seven Places where Lord Muruga prayed Lord Shiva (after installing lingam) to atone for Bramhahathi dosham got by killing seven rishis  inadvertently – in west & North side of Cheyyar river. Kancheepuram, Kadaladi, Mambakkam, Madhimangalam. Elathur, Poondi and Kuruvimalai on the northern bank were called Sapthakarai Kanta Sthalangal  

 As per the legend, Parvathi Devi was proceeding from Kanchipuram to Thiruvannamalai with the aim of joining  Lord Shiva’ . On her way, at Vazhai Pandhal, she made a Shiva lingam out of sand but had no water for Abhishekam.So, she asked her son, Lord Muruga to make arrangement for water. Lord Muruga threw his spear (Vel) towards West to create a pond but water from the hills there flew in red. It was because of the blood oozing out from seven sages – Puthirandan, Puruhudan, Pandurangan, Bodhavan, Bodhan, Koman and Vaman – who were performing penance there. While the sages got relieved of the curses they were undergoing, Lord Muruga was caught with the sin of killing the sages. The River Cheyyar is believed to be the theertham created by him – Sei (child) representing the young Muruga and Aar meaning river in Tamil.

As directed by Mother Uma, Lord Muruga established seven temples on the northern bank of Cheyyar and seven temples on the southern bank of the river and worshipped Lord Shiva to get relieved of his sin. Most of these temples are located in the Polur – Thiruvannamalai and Polur – Sengam route apart from the 2 Saptha Kailaya temples (Karaipoondi and Mandakolathur) in the Polur – Vandavasi route. While all the Karaikandeswarar temples maintain the deities name as Karaikandeswarar and Ambal  Brahan Nayagi / Periya Nayagi, only a few of the Saptha Kailaya temples maintain the name Kailasanathar.

3. Sapta Karaikanda Sthalams

3.1 SKKT1  Karaikandeswarar Temple, Kanji                                                              

SKKT1  Karaikandeswarar Temple, karaikandeswarar temple street,, Kanji, Tamil Nadu 606702   Sri Karaikandeswarar Temple is located in Kanji, Tamil Nadu at a distance of 23 Kms  from Tiruvannamalai is one of the seven Sapta karai kanda sthalangal where Lord Murugan prayed for Lord Shiva to atone the sin acquired by inadvertently killing seven saints. Kancheepuram, Kadaladi, Mambakkam, Madhimangalam. Elathur, Poondi and Kuruvimalai on the northern bank were called Sapthakarai Kantangal.

Like the other Karaikandeswarar Temples, here also Cheyyar river flows towards North and hence this is considered equivalent to Kasi.

Karaikandeswarar Temple, is the first Karaikandeswarar (shiva) temple among seven (saptha) temples all these temples are located on the banks of Cheyyar River in different places. Karaikandeswarar Kanji is a large east facing temple which is entered through a covered archway and mantapam at the south. There are 4 temple cars kept in this passage. The temple has 2 Prakarams. All the shrines and sanctums are situated in the second Prakaram. There is a Nandavanam at the east. The Cheyyar River flows east of the temple. The village and the surroundings are very peaceful. The priest lives just outside the temple

The temple was Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture. In this temple Shiva is worshiped as Karaikandeswarar, and is represented by the lingam facing East.. His consort Parvati is depicted as Periyanayagi Amman facing East.. Theertham  is  Cheyyar River The present masonry structure was built by Se.Ve.Venketaraman chettiyar.

There are shrines for Lakshmi Narayana Perumal,Thiripatha Moorthy, Ganesha, Aiyappan, Nayanmars, Lord Murugan with his consorts Valli & Devasena, Perumal, Kasi Viswanatharm Visalakshi, Bhairava, Navagrahas ,Lingotbavar, Brahma, Durga, Chandikeswaraand Saptha Kannikas in the Temple premises. Karaikandeswarar Idols of the other Saptha Karaikandeswarar temples can also found in the temple premises. 

 The temple rituals are performed four times a day; Ushathkalam at 5:30 a.m., Kalasanthi at 8:00 a.m., Uchikalam at 10:00 a.m., Sayarakshai at 6:00 p.m., and Ardha Jamam at 10:00 p.m. Each ritual comprises four steps: abhisheka (sacred bath), alangaram (decoration), neivethanam (food offering) and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for both Karaikandeswarar and Periyanayagi Amman. There are weekly rituals like somavaram and sukravaram, fortnightly rituals like pradosham and monthly festivals like amavasai (new moon day), kiruthigai, pournami (full moon day) and sathurthi.

The temple celebrates dozens of festivals throughout the year. The most important of these is the Panguni uthiram (or Phalguni in devanagari) Brahmotsavam that lasts ten days during the Tamil month of Panguni, between March and April, concluding with the celebration of Kalyanotsavam. In Brahmotsavam, the idols of Karaikandeswarar and Periyanagi are decorated with clothes and jewels, are mounted on a vahana, and then taken around the maadha veeti (streets) in a pradakshinam (a clockwise path when seen from above). This is repeated with different vahanas over the next nine days. The more important of the individual pradakshinams are the Athigara Nandhi on the first day, the Rishaba Vahanam on the midnight of the fifth day, and the Natarajar festival on the Ninth day.

Tiruvoodal is another festival celebrated during the first week of the Tamil month Thai at mid-January of every year. On the morning of Maatu Pongal, between 15 and 16 January, Nandi is decorated with garlands made of fruits, vegetables and sweets. The festival deities of Karaikandeswarar and Periyanayagi Amman are taken out of the temple to Tiruoodal street to enact the oodal (or love tiff) between the two in the evening. Temple timings : 0600-1200 Hrs 1600- 1915 Hrs  Contact Phone numbers : SVK Dewan  gurukkal 9787690824;  (+91 99659 38489 , Jagannathan 9445281378 )

3.2 SKKT2 Kamakshi Amman Vanneswarar Temple, Kadaladi                            

SKKT2 Kamakshi Amman Vanneswarar Temple Kadaladi, Tamil Nadu 606908   Kamakshi Amman Vanneswarar Temple is located in Kadaladi, Tamil Nadu at a distance of 25 Kms from Tiruvannamalai  is

one of the seven Sapta karai kanda sthalangal where Lord Murugan prayed for Lord Shiva to atone the sin acquired by inadvertently killing seven saints.  Kancheepuram, Kadaladi, Mambakkam, Madhimangalam. Elathur, Poondi and Kuruvimalai on the northern bank were called Sapthakarai Kantangal.

Like the other Karaikandeswarar Temples, here also Cheyyar river flows towards North and hence this is considered equivalent to Kasi. Karaikandeswarar Temple, is the second  Karaikandeswarar (shiva) temple among seven (saptha) temples all these temples are located on the banks of Cheyyar River in different places.

The temple was Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture. In this temple Shiva is worshiped as Karaikandeswarar, and is represented by the lingam facing East.. His consort Parvati is depicted as Periyanayagi Amman / Bruhannayaki  facing East.. Theertham  is  Cheyyar River

Contact phone numbers: Sivacharyar Kripakaran 9444688734 ; Vilvaranyam  gurukkal 9047615588. To Return to the Index of Contents, Click Here. Otherwise Continue.

3.3 SKKT3 Sri Karaikandeswarar Temple, Mambakkam                                                

SKKT3 Sri Brahannayagi sametha Sri Karaikandeswarar Temple, Mambakkam   Parvathiamalai R.F., Tamil Nadu 606908  SKKT3 Sri Brahannayagi sametha Sri Karaikandeswarar Temple is located in  Mambakkam   Parvathiamalai R.F., Tamil Nadu at a distance of 29 Kms from Tiruvannamalai is  one of the seven Karaikandeswarar Temples. Kancheepuram, Kadaladi, Mambakkam, Madhimangalam. Elathur, Poondi and Kuruvimalai on the northern bank were called Sapthakarai Kantangal;  This temple was  under renovation when we visited.

Presiding Deity is called as Karaikandeswarar  facing East and Ambal is called as Periyanayagi Amman / Brahannayaki  facing East.This Temple is situated atthe foot hills of Parvathamalai.. Holy Water (Theertham)   is Cheyyar River – Sei (child) representing the young Muruga and Aar meaning river in Tamil.

This Temple is the third  Saptha Karai kanda Sthalams established and worshipped by Lord Muruga on the northern bank of river Cheyyar. Like the other Karaikandeswarar Temple, here also Cheyyar river flows towards North and hence this is considered equivalent to Kasi. The original temple has been completely  destroyed and the rpesent one is a new construction. The Temple is believed to be built by Cholas during 10th Century AD. It is being renovated now.

It is situated in a spacious Prakaram. The sanctum sanctorum has a grilled door and the deity is visible. The key is available in the hut adjacent if required. The Parvathamalai hill is in the background. Karaikandeswarar Mambakkam would be as old as the other temples in the group which go back more than a thousand years.

Other deities in this small temple are Lord  Ganesha  and  Lord Murugan. Contact Phone number : 9444688734 Krupakara Gurukkal  

3.4 SKKT 4 Sivan Temple, Thenmahadevimangalam

SKKT 4 Sivan Temple, Thenmahadevimangalam, Tamil Nadu 60690 Sivan Temple (Karaikandeswarar) is located in  Thenmahadevimangalam, Tamil Nadu  at a distance of 32 Kms from Tiruvannamalai is  one of the seven Sapta karai kanda sthalangal where Lord Murugan prayed for Lord Shiva to atone the sin acquired by inadvertently killing seven saints.  Karaikandeswarar Thenmathimangalam is an ancient temple going back to the era of the Cholas

Kancheepuram, Kadaladi, Mambakkam, Madhimangalam. Elathur, Poondi and Kuruvimalai on the northern bank were called Sapthakarai Kantangal. 

Presiding Deity is  Karaikandeswarar facing east. and Ambal is  Periyanayagi Amman / Brahannayaki housed in a separate shrine.. Holy Water (Theertham)  is. Cheyyar River . The River Cheyyar is believed to be the theertham created by him – Sei (child) representing the young Muruga and Aar meaning river in Tamil.

 Like the otherKaraikandeswarar Temple, here also Cheyyar river flows towards North and hence this is considered equivalent to Kasi. The Temple was built by Cholas during 10th Century. Later local chieftains and SamburvarayaKings had done lot of renovations to this Temple.

Karaikandeswarar Thenmathimangalam is a beautiful large east facing temple – covers an area of about 2 acres –  where the Lord can be seen by the Nandi through a grilled window (Saalaram). A single large and spacious Prakaram houses all the shrines and the sanctum sanctorum which is reached after crossing the Mahamantapam and Mukha Mantapam. Outside the gate is another large Mantapam with a beautiful Nandi in front and a temple car. There is a temple tank – 11th Century Pond  – in front of the temple at the east. The Parvathamalai hill is in the background.   Balipeedam and Dwajasthambam are found facing sanctum in the second prakaram. This is the fourth of the Saptha Karaikandeswarar Sthalams (7 temples) located on the north banks of the Cheyyar River

There are shrines of Ganesha, Saneeswaran, Arthanareeswarar, Kasi Viswanathar, Kasi Visalakshi, Nandanar, Saptha kannigais, three Lingams (Karaiakandeswarar), Navagraha, Kala Bhairavar, Dakshinamurthy and Lord Murugan with his consorts Valli and Deivanai in the temple premises. Since this is Mid Karaikandeswarar Sthalam, remaining three Karaikandeswarar Lingams can be found in the temple premises. The temple has a mandapam facility to stay and this could be a convenient point from where all the 14 temples can be visited easily..

Contact Phone number : Mobile: Rajasekhar sivacharyar 9688734295 and  +91 75300 73006

3.5 SKKT 5  Shri Karai Kandeswarar Temple, Elathur                                                       

SKKT 5  Shri Brahannayaki Sameda Shri Karai Kandeswarar Temple, C3J4+FJ6, Allettur, Tamil Nadu 606906 Elathur Sivan Temple  Shri Brahannayaki Sameda Shri KaraiKandeswarar Temple is located in Allettur (Elathur) Tamil Nadu at a distance of 30 Kms from Tiruvannamalai.

This is the fifth of the Saptha Karaikandeswarar Sthalams (7 temples) located on the north banks of the Cheyyar River. As the Cheyyar River runs northwards at this spot it is considered as holy as Varanasi. The temples in the order of proceeding north from Kanji along Cheyyar River are Kanji, Kadaladi, Mambakkam, Thenmathimangalam, Elathur, Poondi and Kuruvimalai.

Moolavar : Sri Karaikandeswarar, facing East ; Ambal : Sri Brahanayaki Amman / Periyanayagi Amman, facing east. Theertham : Cheyyar River. Ambal is housed in separate east facing shrine.She is sitting posture resting left hand on her thighs and holding Kuvalai Flower on her right hand

Other Deities in the temple are : Ganesha, Navagraha, Muruga with Consorts, Anjaneya. Sanctum Niches of main deity – Ganesha, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Bramha, Durga and Chandikeswara.

Karaikandeswarar Elathur is a small east facing temple with a single Prakaram. The Temple is having a south facing entrance arch with stucco image of Rishabaroodar with Nandhis on both side. Nandhi is found in the prakaram facing the sanctum through a window. There are idols of Vinayaga and Bhairava at the entrance of the sanctum.

The vimanams have been painted up in gold color recently. The original stone structures have been reinforced with concrete structures. The antiquity of the temple remains though. There are old idols of a large Ganesha and a beautiful 6 faced Karthikeya on peacock kept outside the shrines which have been installed with new idols.Natarajar Arudhra Mandapam is situated inside the four pillared Mahamandapam. The Temple has been renovated by Cholas and Vijayanagara Kings in the ancient past.

As per the Legend, Lord Muruga built the Saptha Karaikandeswarar temples in the northern banks of Cheyyar River to counter the sin of killing seven Sages (Puthirandan, Puruhudan, Pandurangan, Bodhavan, Bodhan, Koman and

Vaman) performing penance in the hills in the region with his spear (Vel). Karaikandeswarar Elathur is said to be the fifth in this series. This event happened in a quest to create a Theertham for his Mother Parvati to perform ablutions for the Shiva Lingam she created out of earth at Vazhapandal.

Another version is that to counter the sin of killing the asura Surapadman, Lord Muruga was advised by his mother to throw his spear and install and worship a shiva lingam where it lands. According to the same legend Muruga is also believed to have created seven temples in the southern banks of the river Cheyyar which are called Saptha Kailasha Sthalams and worshiped Lord Shiva there. The River Cheyyar is believed to be the Theertham created by him – Sei (child) representing the young Muruga and Aar meaning river in Tamil.

Contact Phone numbers :  Venkatesa gurukkal 9655676224; Elumalai :9843907131 ; Cotact for darshan.

3.6 SKKT 6 Sri Karaikandeeswarar Temple, Poondi                                                    

Sri Brahannayahi Sametha Sri Karaikandeswarar Temple, Poondy ,
Sri Karaikandeeswarar Temple, Unnamed Road, Poondi, Tamil Nadu 606751  SKKT 6   Sri Brahannayahi Sametha Sri Karaikandeswarar Temple is located in Poondi, Tamil Nadu at a distance of 32 Kms from Tiruvannamalai.. It is more than 1000 years old.

Moolavar :Sri Karaikandeswarar facing East; Ambal : Sri Periyanayagi Amman / Brahannayaki facing East. Theertham: Cheyyar River. This Temple is   one the Saptha Kailaya Sthalams established and worshipped by Lord Murugan on the northern bank of river Cheyyar. Like the other Karaikandeswarar Temple, here also Cheyyar river flows towards North and hence this is considered equivalent to Kasi. Poondi is also famous for the Jeeva Samadhi of Poondi Mahan. The Temple belongs to Chola period.

Dwajasthambam and Nandhi can be found facing the sanctum. Ambal is housed in a separate shrine.There are shrines for Bala Vinayaga, Dhakshinamoorthy, Lingodhbava, Bhairava, Durga, Venugopala withhis consort Rukmini, Lord Murugan with his consorts Valli and Deivanai, Balasubramanya Swamy and Nataraja in the Temple premises. There is an Agastheeswarar Temple nearby. There is a practice followedby devotees here, after worshipping Agastheeswarar only, Karaikandeswarar will be worshipped.

As per the Legend, Saptha (7) Karai Kanda Sthalams and Saptha (7) Kailaya Sthalams are the 14 Shiva temples on either side of Cheyyar river where the Shiva lingams were installed and worshipped by Lord Muruga himself to absolve himself of the sins for killing the rishis while creating Cheyyar (Sei aaru) for his mother. The temples in the order of proceeding north from Kanji along Cheyyar River are Kanji, Kadaladi, Mambakkam, Thenmathi mangalam, Elathur, Poondi and Kuruvimalai.

Goddess Parvathi. Parvathi Devi was proceeding from Kanchipuram to Thiruvannamalai with the aim of getting into Lord Shiva’s one half (Arthanareeswara). On her way, at Vazhai Pandhal, she made a Shiva lingam out of sand but had no water for Abhishekam. So, she asked her son, Lord Muruga to make arrangement for water. Lord Muruga threw his spear (Vel)

towards West to create a pond but water from the hills there flew in red. It was because of the blood oozing out from seven sages – Puthirandan, Puruhudan, Pandurangan, Bodhavan, Bodhan, Koman and Vaman – who were performing penance there. While the sages got relieved of the curses they were undergoing, Lord Muruga was caught with the sin of killing the sages.

As directed by Mother Uma, Lord Muruga established seven temples on the northern bank of Cheyyar and seven temples on the southern bank of the river and worshipped Lord Shiva to get relieved of his sin. Most of these temples are located in the Polur – Thiruvannamalai and Polur – Sengam route apart from the 2 Saptha Kailaya temples (Karaipoondi and Mandakolathur) in the Polur – Vandavasi route.

While all the Karaikandeswarar temples maintain the deities name as Karaikandeswarar and Ambal Brahan Nayagi / Periya Nayagi, only a few of the Saptha Kailaya temples maintain the name Kailasanathar. Contact Sri Pasupathy Gurukkal : 9047615588  for darshan

3.7 SKKT 7 Kuruvimalai Karaikandeswarar Temple

SKKT 7 Kuruvimalai Karaikandeswarar Temple, India, Kuruvi Malai, Tamil Nadu 606751 SKKT 7 Kuruvimalai Karaikandeswarar Temple, is located in  Kuruvi Malai, Tamil Nadu at a distance of 27 Kms from Tiruvannamalai is one of the seven Karaikandeeswarar temples where Lord Murugan prayed Lord Shiva to obviate the bramha hatti dosha he acquired by killing seven saints mistakenly in the process of getting water for  Goddess Parvati.

Kancheepuram, Kadaladi, Mambakkam, Madhimangalam. Elathur, Poondi and Kuruvimalai on the northern bank were called Sapthakarai Kantangal. 

Presiding Deity is Karaikandeswarar and Ambal is   Periyanayagi Amman / Brahannayaki. Like the other Karaikandeswarar Temple, here also Cheyyar river flows towards North and hence this is considered equivalent to Kasi.

There are two Temples in this Village combinedly called as Karaikandeswarar Temple. First Temple iscalled as Aadhi Karai Kandeswarar Temple and second as Karai Kandeswarar Temple. Both the Templesare located within 300 meters distance. For Adhi Karaikandeswarar Temple, , Presiding Deity is called asAdhi Karaikandeswarar and Mother is called as Periyanayagi Amman / Brahannayaki. . For KaraiKandeswarar Temple,  Presiding Deity is called as Karaikandeswarar and Mother is called as PeriyanayagiAmman /Brahannayaki . Contact Phone number : Mobile: Arun  Gurukkal 9787073260   9944416571 To Return to the Index of Contents, Click Here. Otherwise Continue

4 .Sapta Kailaya Sthalams                                                                                              

4.1 SKT 1 Dharma Natheswarar Temple, Mandakolathur                                     

SKT 1 God Shiva Temple, Mandakolathur, Tamil Nadu 606904  God Shiva Temple (Dharma Natheswarar) is located in Mandakolathur, Tamil Nadu   at a distance of 42 Kms from Tiruvannamalai is one of the seven Sapta Kailasa temples where  goddess Parvati  prayed to Lord Shiva to join Him. .

 Sapta Kailasams : Seven Places where Kamakshi amman did pooja to join Lord Shiva (finally in Tiruvannamalai). Thamaraipakkam, Vasudevampattu, Narthampoondi, Thenpandripattu, Pazhangovil, Karapoondi and Mandakulathur on the southern bank were called Sapthakailasas Lord name is Dharma  Natheswarar and Dharma Samvarthini. 

The Lord was believed to have been worshipped by Dharmar of Pancha Pandavas. This village has a hoary past and was a centre of vedic learning. It is also mentioned in the 10th century stone inscriptions of Later Chola Kings. The Renovation of the 1200-year-old dilapidated temple tookplace between Dec 1998 to Dec 1999 and the first Kumbabishekam in the 21st century was held on27-01-2000. Gradually all the festivals have been started. The Dwajasthambam was installed and thesecond Kumbabishekam was held on 18-06-2011.

Dharmanadeswarar Mandakolathur is a small east-facing temple  with 3 tiered Rajagopuram.  A temple car is present and kept outside the Gopuram in a tall shed. A single prakaram houses all the shrines and the SanctumSanctorumThere is a four pillared Mandapam after the Rajagopuram entrance. Pradosha Nandhi is located nearby this Mandapam. Presiding Deity is Dharmanatheswarar facing East .Ambal  is Dharmasamvardhini facing East. Ambal is housed in a separate shrine in the prakaram. Ambal is with four arms showing Varada and Abhaya Hastha in two hands and holding Angusam and Pasam in other two hands. There is a shrine for Varadharaja Perumal in the Arthamandapam. Holy Water (Theertham)  is  Cheyyar River

There is a shrine for Kailasanathar and Aram Valartha Nayagi in the Temple premises. There are also shrines for Somaskandar, Ganesha, Murugan with consorts, Ambal and Chandikeswarar in the prakaram. Lord Shiva has performed special bravery acts in 8 places. They are Thirukandiyur, Thirukovilur, Thiruvathigai, Thirupariyalur, Thiruvirkudi, Thiruvazhuvur, Thirukurukai and Thirukadavur. Paintings in 8  panels of such acts of Lord Shiva have been drawn on the outer wall of the temple with suitable glass frames.

Vaikasi Visakam, Aadi Pooram Valaikappu to Ambal, Sharada Navarathri, Maha Skanda Shashti, Maha Sankatahara Chaturthi, Karthigai Soma Vaarams, Mahasivarathri, Panguni Uthiram.Appar, Sambandar, Manickavasagar and Sundarar mukthi days, Guru, Rahu, Kethu and Sani Peyarchi days, Annabishekam, Kalabharavashtami, Nanda Sapthami, Sandhana Kappu, Aavani Moolam, VinayagarChathurthi, Karthikai Deepam, Ratha Sapthami, Thai Poosam, Vasantha Navarathri and 12-day AnnualBrahmotsavam are the festivals celebrated here.

 Contact Phone :  Shankaran Gurukkal -9786653319 ; Baradhwaj -admin -9600014199) Jothi will arrange to open -9943344679, 9489867889

4.2  SKT2 Srikandeswarar Temple, Karaipoondi                                                      

Balasundari Sametha Srikandeswarar Temple, Karaipoondi, Tamil Nadu 606803 Balasundari Sametha Srikandeswarar Temple is located  Karaipoondi, Tamil Nadu  at a distance of 37 Kms from Tiruvannamalai is  one of the Sapta Kailasam temples : 7 Places where Kamakshi amman did pooja to join Lord Shiva (finally in Tiruvannamalai).

Thamaraipakkam, Vasudevampattu, Narthampoondi, Thenpandripattu, Pazhangovil, Karapoondi and Mandakulathur on the southern bank were called Sapthakailasas. 

River Cheyyar is flowing towards North and hence considered equivalent to Kasi. The Temple is located on the southern banks of Cheyyar and hence the place is called as Karaipoondi. Cholas, Sambuvarayars, Vijayanagara Kings had done lot of renovations to this Temple.

There is an entrance arch facing south. The entrance has stucco images of Rishabaroodar in a Mandapam, Ganesha and Murugan. Stucco images of Nandhi can be found along the Temple walls. Presiding Deity was originally called as  Kailasa nathar and later as  Srikandeswarar Ambal is  Balasundari . Both the presidingdeity and Ambal are housed in separate shrines and are facing east. Vinayagar, Murugan with consorts, Kala Bhairava, Dhakshinamoorthy, Bramha, Nava Grahas, Chandikeswara, Mahavishnu and Durga are the Koshta idols located around the sanctum walls.

Shrines for Surya and Chandran can be found opposite to the sanctum. Lord Vinayaga and Lord Murugan with his consorts Valli and Deivanai can be found at the entrance of the sanctum. Sthala Vriksham is Vilwam Tree. There is a shrine for Anjaneya situated near this Temple. This Anjaneya Idol is believed to be installed by Vyasaraja.

As per the legend, Ambal was in deep meditation on the banks of the Cheyyar river realizing that Lord Shiva was present there.Rishis were doing poojas for the Shivling  and Ambal after long meditation, did pooja.Lord Murugan stood for her protection from the wild animals. The place looked like Kailsh. Cholas, Vijayanagar kings and Sanbuvarayars  maintained the temple.

Behind the temple, there is a Brindavanam of Sankarshana Udayar  – a descendant of Sri Madhvacharyar. He was alsoa disciple of Sri  Raghavendra. Near Karaipoondi, there is a famous Ganesa temple in Venmani. Also there is a very ancient Arunachaleswarar temple near Venmani.

Contact Phone numbers : Soundraraja sivacharyar 9444034735 ; Tirugnanam 9585303925

4.3 SKT3 Thenpallipattu  Kailasanathar                                                                                                                           

SKT 3 Thenpallipattu Kailasanathar Koil, Kanchi Road, Mettupalayam, Tamil Nadu 606751 SKT 3 Thenpallipattu Kailasanathar Koil is located in  Mettupalayam, Tamil Nadu  at a distance of 24 Kms from Tiruvannamalai is one of the Sapta Kailasa Temples.

Sapta Kailasams are: 7 Places where Kamakshi amman did pooja to join Lord Shiva (finally in Tiruvannamalai).   Thamaraipakkam, Vasudevampattu, Narthampoondi, Thenpandripattu, Pazhangovil, Karapoondi and Mandakulathur on the southern bank were called Sapthakailasas. 

Presiding Deity is Kailasanathar and Ambal is Kanakambigai. Lord and Ambal are housed in separate shrines. Mahan Sabapathi Swamigal also lived here and had done many miracles. He had immersed himself in water and made his body as a wick (thiri)  and lighted the temple.His adhishtanam is also nearby.This Temple is  one the Saptha Kailaya Sthalams established and worshipped by Lord Muruga on the southern bank of river Cheyyar. Cheyyar River flows here towards North and hence this place is considered equivalent to Kasi Renovation work was in progress when we visited in 2018.

As per the legend, when the river started flooding  and was so ferocious that the village could be destroyed, Lord Shiva stood on the  banks of the river and saved the village  and so got the name Karaikandeeswarar . He also reduced the speed of thge river and made it Uttaravahini  and so it is sacread as Gaya. One can see the river in the shape of letter : “S”. Contact Phone number : Nagaraja Iyer 9943935048 –

4 4  SKT4  Balakradheswarar Temple, Palankoil                                                 

SKT 4 Sri Balakradheswarar Temple, Palankovil, Tamil Nadu 606751  Sri Balakradheswarar Temple is located in  Palan Koil, Tamil Nadu at a distance of 32 Kms from Tiruvannamalai.It is more than 1000 years old.

Moolavar : Sri Balakradeswarar; Ambal : Sri Balambigai. This Temple is  one the Saptha Kailaya Sthalams established and worshipped by Lord Muruga on the southern bank of river Cheyyar.. As per the Legend, a King who lost his hand prayed to this Lord Shiva and got his hand back. Hence, Lord Shiva got his name as Balakradeeswar since he gives back lost energy to the devotees.

The Temple was built by Maduranthaga Uthama Chola (969 AD – 985 AD). Some Panchaloha Idols andStone Idols has been excavated from the well during the Kumbabishekam held in 2001. Also, PoondiMahan initially lived here and then only relocated to Poondi due to the disturbances caused here.

The Temple faces east with 5 tiered Rajagopuram.Balipeedam and Pradosha Nandhi are found after the Rajagopuram facing the sanctum. The  Lingam is ShodasaLingam. Idols of Gnanasambandhar, Appar and Siddhi Vinayagar can be found near the sanctum.Dhakshinamoorthy, Mahavishnu, Brahma and Durga are the Koshta Idols located around the sanctumwalls. Chandikeswarar is located on his usual position.

There is a 4 pillared Mandapam in the sanctum after the Artha Mandapam. Huge Dwarapalakas are situated in front of this Mandapam. Mother is called as Balambigai. Mother is housed in a separate shrine. She is facing east in standing posture. Mother Shrine is equipped with Antharalayam, six pillared Mandapam, Dwarabalakis fit for a separate temple.

There are Shrines for Nataraja, Kali, Naalvar, Vinayagar, Venugopala with his consorts Rukmini and Sathyabama and Lord Murugan with his consorts Valli and Deivanai in the Temple premises. There is anancient well belonged to Chola period in the north-east corner. Inscriptions of Uthama Chola periodcan be found in the temple.

As per the Legend, (7) Karai Kanda Sthalams and Saptha (7) Kailaya Sthalams are the 14 Shiva temples on either side of Cheyyar river where the Shiva lingams were installed and worshipped by Lord Muruga himself to absolve himself of the sins for killing the rishis while creating Cheyyar (Sei aaru) for his mother

Goddess Parvathi. Parvathi Devi was proceeding from Kanchipuram to Thiruvannamalai with the aim of getting into Lord Shiva’s one half (Arthanareeswara). On her way, at Vazhai Pandhal, she made a Shiva lingam out of sand but had no water for Abhishekam. So, she asked her son, Lord Muruga to make arrangement for water. Lord Muruga threw his spear (Vel) towards West to create a pond but water from the hills there flew in red. It was because of the blood oozing out from seven sages – Puthirandan, Puruhudan, Pandurangan, Bodhavan, Bodhan, Koman and Vaman – who were performing penance there. While the sages got relieved of the curses they were undergoing, Lord Muruga was caught with the sin of killing the sages.

As directed by Mother Uma, Lord Muruga established seven temples on the northern bank of Cheyyar and seven temples on the southern bank of the river and worshipped Lord Shiva to get relieved of his sin. Most of these temples are located in the Polur – Thiruvannamalai and Polur – Sengam route apart from the 2 Saptha Kailaya temples (Karaipoondi and Mandakolathur) in the Polur – Vandavasi route.

While all the Karaikandeswarar temples maintain the deities name as Karaikandeswarar and Ambal Brahan Nayagi / Periya Nayagi, only a few of the Saptha Kailaya temples maintain the name Kailasanathar. Contact : Sri Pasupathy Gurukkal : 9047615588  for darshan.

4.5  SKT5  Kailasa Nathar temple, Narthampoondi                                                             

SKT 5  Kailasa Nathar temple, Narthampoondi, Tamil Nadu 606802   Kailasa Nathar temple  is located in Narthampoondi, Tamil Nadu  at a distance of 24 Kms from Tiruvannamalai is  one of the seven Sapta Kailasa temples where goddess Parvati prayed Lord Shiva.

Sapta Kailasams are: 7 Places where Kamakshi amman did pooja to join Lord Shiva (finally in Tiruvannamalai).   Thamaraipakkam, Vasudevampattu, Narthampoondi, Thenpandripattu, Pazhangovil, Karapoondi and Mandakulathur on the southern bank were called Sapthakailasas. 

Presiding Deity is Kailasanathar facing East and Ambal  is Periyanayagi / Umai Ammai facing East . The temple received patronage from Sambuvarayar, Hoysala and Vijayanagara Kings. The Temple faced huge destruction during the South Indian invasion of Malik Kafur. 

The  large temple has a five-tiered Rajagopuram. The Temple has Mahamandapam, Alankara Mandapam forNataraja, Artha Mandapam before the sanctum. Narthampoondi has a large and spacious Prakaram housing the Sanctum Sanctorum and the shrines. The large courtyard in the east is followed by the flagtsaff, balipeedam and Nandi. A Mahamantapam, followed by Mukha Mantapam and the Ardha Mantapam is before the Sanctum Sanctorum of the main deity. A Mantapam is also present before the Goddess shrine

 Presiding Deity is Kailasanathar and Ambal is Periyanayagi / Umai Ammai. Ambal is housed in separate shrine. Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Elanthai (Zizyphus jujuba) There is a Mahamandapam in front of Ambal Shrine. Vinayagar, Murugan, Nalvar, Saptha Kannikas can be found in the Mahamandapam

There is a shrine for Vinayaga called Kothalathu Vinayagar / Kottai Kaatha Vinayagar on the western sideinside the temple premises. It is believed that Lord Vinayaga saved a King from losing his kingship. Hencethe Vinayaga got this name. There is a separate shrine for Varadaraja Perumal along with his consorts Sridevi and Boodevi in the temple premises. There are shrines for Dhakshinamoorthy, Vinayagar, Kasi Viswanadar, Sornabhairavar, Sapthakannigal, Navagraha. and Lord Murugan with his consorts Valli & Deivanai in the Temple premises.

The Sthala Vriksham is Ilandhai Tree and it is believed to be 4000 years old. There is a shrine under theIlandhai Tree where an Idol of Narathar worshipping Lord Shiva and Lord Murugan with his consortsValli and Deivanai in the Temple premises. This shrine explains the mythology related to this Temple.Next to Thiruvannamalai, this temple has the highest no of inscriptions from Sambuvarayar Kings, VallalaKings and Vijayanagara Kings.

As per the legend, this temple is mentioned in Skanda Mahapurana. King Daksha, known for his enmity with Shiva, wanted to develop his three sons equal to him but Narada imparted Shiva Upadesha to the sons and made them good. Angry Daksha cursed Narada as he prevented his sons to come his way. Muni Narada performed penance for 12 years in Narthampoondi on Lord Kailasanathar. Lord Shiva appeared on his Rishaba (bull vehicle of Lord Shiva) with his Panchamurthis and relieved Narada of his curse. Narada was also elevated as the head of the rishis. The place was known in early days Narathar Poondi after Muni Narada and in the days followed the name changed to Narthampoondi. The temple timings are : 6 am. to 11 am. and 4  pm. to 8 pm. Contact Phone number : Mobile:+91 74184 12660 To Return to the Index of Contents, Click Here. Otherwise Continue

4.6 SKT 6 Agnreswarar Temple,Thamaraipakkam                                                  

SKT 6 Agnreswarar Thamaraipakkam Shivan Kovil, Damaraipakkam, Tamil Nadu 606802; SKT 6 Agnreswarar Thamaraipakkam Shivan Kovil is located in , Damaraipakkam, Tamil Nadu at a distance of 26 Kms from Tiruvannamalai is one of the seven Sapta Kailasa temples where goddess Parvati prayed Lord Shiva.

Thamaraipakkam, Vasudevampattu, Narthampoondi, Thenpandripattu, Pazhangovil, Karapoondi and Mandakulathur on the southern bank were called Sapthakailasas.  

Presiding Deity is  Agneeswarar and  Ambal is Thiripura Sundari. 10th Century Inscriptions belonging to Cholas can be found in the Temple. From these inscriptions, it is clear that the temple was built by Kulothunga Chola. The Temple is famous for sculptural beauty. . Lord  Shiva and Ambal are housed in separate shrines. Ambal is in standing posture.

Narthana Ganapathy, Dhakshinamoorthy, Lingodhbava, Brahma, Lakshmi Narayana, Valli DEivayanai sametha Subhramanya and Durgaare the niche idols located around the sanctum walls. Chandikeswarar in this Temple is very big. Dwajasthambam, Balipeedam and Nandhi are found facing thesanctum. There is a sperate shrine for Perumal with his consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi in the templepremises. All the vimanams of shrines are shining with gold plating..Lord Shiv’a Vimanam is like Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple Vimanam.

Temple timings : 7am-10am, 6pm-7pm; Contact Phone number : Mobile: +91 94446 88734 / 96265 07082

4.7 SKT 7 Aatkondeeswarar Temple, Vasudevanpattu 

SKT 7 Sivan Koil Vasudevanpattu, Tamil Nadu 606704  SKT 7 Sivan Koil  (Aatkondeeswarar) Vasudevanpattu, Tamil Nadu is located at a distance of 22 Kms from Tiruvannamalai is one of the Sapta Kailasa Temples. There is a proverb  that Vasan Nagar is slightly more sacread than Kashi (Varanasi). (Kasiyai vida veesam osatthi – Tamil). It is more than 2000 years old.

Thamaraipakkam, Vasudevampattu, Narthampoondi, Thenpandripattu, Pazhangovil, Karapoondi and Mandakulathur on the southern bank were called Sapthakailasas 

Presiding Deity is  Aatkondeeswarar /Bakthachaleswarar and Ambal is  Soundarya Nayagi / Baagampriyal / Akilandeswari ; Sthala Vriksham : Vilvam tree. ThisTemple is  one of the  the Saptha Kailaya Sthalams established and worshipped by Lord Murugaon the southern bank of river Cheyyar.

There is no Rajagopuram but there is an entrance on the South Side. The Entrance arch has stuccoimages of Vinayaga, Somaskanda, Murugan, Nandhi Devar. There is a 12-pillared hall after the entrance.Saptha Kannigal has been sculpted beautifully on the pillars of this Hall. After the 12-pillared hall, there is4-pillared hall housing the Dwarapalakas and Nandhi facing the Lord. There are Idols of Nalvar, KasiLingam, Bhairavar and Dhakshinamoorthy near this Hall.

Ambal is housed in a separate shrine. She is facing east and gracing thedevotees with four hands. There are shrines of Vinayaga, Murugan with his consorts Valli and Deivanaiand Navagrahas in the temple premises. There are shrines for Chithragupthan and Vichithragupthan inthe north-eastern corner of the Temple.

Sthala Vriksham is Vilvam Tree. The place was named in memory of the King Vasudevan who ruled thisplace. There are remains of ruined fort, 8 feet tall Veera Anjaneyar Idol and Veera Narayana PerumalTemple in this Village. There is also another Shiva Temple called Margasahayeswarar Temple on the northern bank of Cheyyar in Vasudevanpattu.

Chithragupthan and Vichithragupthan had worshipped Lord Shiva here since they made some mistakesin the birth / death records they keep. By worshipping them devotees are blessed with long and healthylife.

Contact Telephone number : Mobile: +91 84890 86309 / 96774 13824  9677413824  Sridharan;Pallikondeeswarar- Sapta Kailayam(7) – One time pooja only – Sridharan Stays near Veeranarayana Perumal Temple -looks after Sivan & Perumal temples.

5.Ambal Temples   

Ambal Temples   : Details of  some of the famous Ambal ? Devi temples 50 kms around Tiruvannamalai are given below : Sri Chenniamman Koil, NeepathuraiSri Pachai Amman Kovil, Munugapattu and Renugambal Temple  Padavedu 

5.1  Sri Chenniamman Koil, Neepathurai                                                                    

Sri Chenniamman Koil, 5J7W+8CF, Neepathurai, Tamil Nadu 606703  Sri Chenniamman Koil, is locayed in Neepathurai, Tamil Nadu  on the banks of Thenpennai river  at a distance of  at a distance of 87 kms from Salem and 58 kms from Thiruvannamalai. Sri Venkatramana Perumal temple is nearby.

As per the legend, Chennammal is considered the younger sister of Lord Vishnu, in the local lore. Once when she was bathing in the river in this locality, she drowned into the water. The river is called Then Pennai aka South Pennar River. She took the name of Lord Vishnu, who is called Venkatramanar here, as her final words.

The place where she drowned is where the rock formations are located today and the rocks are worshiped today as Chennammal herself, and rituals include pouring milk, yoghurt etc and finally turmeric paste is applied, followed by dots of kumkum!!! Women do this ritual, after taking bath in the river nearby with the soaking wet clothes.

Today atop these rocks are the trees of banyan and neem, both of which are considered auspicious in Hindu religion.

It is believed that she walks through a tunnel to reach Venkatramanar temple at the middle of the night, from these rock formations. This Vishnu temple, has a separate room that has the opening to the tunnel. The locals told me that till a few decades ago the tunnel was accessible, but now, it is closed.

The Chennamma temple is located in the middle of the river and till about 2-3 years ago, this was accessible only by walking across the river. I was told that earlier the place had only rocks and in high tides they’d be half inside water. Coracles would be needed to access the temple which was nothing but just the rock and the trees.  Today a concrete building has been built all around these rock formations, pushing it a bit away from nature! Now a concrete bridge is in place for easier access from the river bank.

One must visit Sri Chenniamman Koil and Sri Venkatramana Perumal temple.

5.2 Sri Pachai Amman Kovil, Munugapattu                                                             

Sri Pachai Amman Kovil,J9J9+72Q, Valapandal Main Rd, Munugapattu, Tamil Nadu 604504 Sri Pachai Amman Kovil is located in Valapandal , Munugapattu, Tamil Nadu  at a distance of 12 Kms from Arani, 50 Kms from Vellore, 24 Kms from Cheyyar and 74 Kms from Tiruvannamalai.

It  is  more than1000 years old temple. This is the 1st Pachaiamman temple and later new temples of goddess constructed in thiruvannamalai and also one in thirumullaivoil in chennai. Pachaiamman temple is a typical Ancient village temple where you cannot find stone idols but only stucco images.

In the sanctum sanctorum, Ambica appears in the form of sudha with a green tirumeniya. Green kumkum is offered as prasadam to the devotees in her shrine

There are shrines for Pachai  Amman,  Mannarsamy and . Navagrahas.   There is a three tier Rajagopuram in the temple. The temple is under the control of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department under the category of sub-temple.

This temple  was visited by  Sage Jamadagni  ,  Here  sorcery, witchcraft, etc., will not work.  Many Pachaiamman temples have been installed by taking the soil of this temple. It is the oldest temple with the worship of the family deity. Vamuni Semmuniyar, who is the guardian of Amman, is the guardian of all those who worship him.

As per the legend, the goddess Parvathi playfully closed the eyes of Lord Shiva, and due to Shiva’s curse she came down to earth. She wanted to regain her status as wife of Shiva and hence wanted to do penance at Munugapet. She made a plantain tree leaves panthal and was in need of water. So Lord Vinayagar her 1st son and Lord Murugar her second son went to to bring water for her pooja. Mean time Parvathi just dig the ground with a hand stick and the ground water piersed coming out from the ground.Lord Vinayagar in his part brought water and Lord Murugar his share . So all together three rivers flowing here. There is still 5 feet Shiva Lingam is here in this village where goddess Parvathi did her poojas.

During her pooja thousands of devotees gathered to get darshan of the goddess, there was a huge dust covered the entire city of Veeramapuri. Veeramapuri’s king Surapoaman sent his brother along with six warriors to drive away the goddess. However, he got stuck with Pachaiamman’s beauty and told his brother about the same. Surapoaman was impressed with the beauty of Pachaiamman and proposed for marriage. This enraged the goddess. She took the form of Kali and mounted on a roaring lion. She was accompanied by Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu as Vamuni and Saeimuni and along with Sapta Rishis (saints) who took the form of warriors. All of them killed Surapoaman and his soldiers.

Temple Opening Time 7  am to 2  pm  4  pm to 8  pm; Contact Phone: 04182-244441; Mobile: +918608999572 To Return to the Index of Contents, Click Here. Otherwise Continue

5.3 Renugambal Temple  Padavedu                                                                                                                   

Arulmigu Sri Renugambal Temple , NO 4, BAZZAR STREET, Padavedu, Tamil Nadu 632311   Renugambal Temple is located in  Padavedu, Tamil Nadu at a distance of 56 Kms from Tiruvannamalai. Padavedu  is the adobe of the goddesses Renugambal. popularly known as A.K.Padavedu (Amman kovil padavedu) is a very famous temples  . The temple is said to be more than 1000 years old

Padavedu is one of the most important ‘Sakthi Sthalas’ in Thondainadu. Goddess Renugambal is self manifested

in this place, indicating “Sakthi is everything in this world” and offering her blessings along with Brahma, Vishnu and Lord Siva. In this place a number of sages performed penance & attained salvation. The existence of Banalingam and Nanakarshna Chakra consecrated by Adi Sankarar is the specialty of this place. 

This is the place where Saint Jamathakni did penance and attained Mukthi (salvation). Here as blessed by Lord Siva, Mother Renugambal kept her Sirasu (head) for performing pooja by devotees and to offer them her blessings. She took her body to Swarka Loga (Heaven) along with Saint Jamathakni.

As per the legend,  with the blessings of Brahma, the Mother of all worlds Uma Devi was born to Eraivadha Maharaja, the king of Vidharba Desam. The child named as Renugai grew and attained marital age. Permitted by her father and according to the customs of those times, Renugai traveled the whole world accompanied by her friends and an army in search of a suitable husband. At last, she arrived at Kundalipuram, where saint Jamathakni was doing penance. Since Renugai camped near the Ashram with her soldiers, the sacredplace was named “Padai Veedu” (army encampment). “Padaiveedu” is now called as “A.K.Padavedu(Amman Koil Padavedu)”. Here, Renugai saw Saint Jamathakni.

At that time a war broke out between the disciples of the Saint Jamathakni and the soldiers of Renugai.Durga alias Chamundeeswari who accompanied Renugai, effected havoc by the fire appeared from  third eye. Hearing this, the Saint Jamathakni brought all the Theerthas available in three worlds in his kamandalam (water jug used by ascetics) and dropped it. The water from kamandalam transformed into a huge river and extinguished the fire brought by Chamundeeswari. This river is known as “Kamandala Nadhi”.

She learnt through a voice from Heaven that Saint Jamathakni would be her husband. Renugai requested the saint to marry her. Saint Jamathakni agreed and both of them got married. They gave birth to a child ‘Parasuramar’, a Vishnu Avatar.

Padavedu is the place where Sage Jamadagni, an incarnation of Lord Shiva, lived with his wife Renuka, an Incarnation of Parvathi and son Parasurama, the avatar of Vishnu. Sage Jamadagni and Sage Vishwamitra grew together. The Sage used to perform Yagna daily to which mother Renuka used to bring water in a pot just made that day. One day the Mother saw a Gandharva flying and lost her mind on that due to the Maya or the play of the great Shakti. She was late for the yagna and felt ashamed.

The Sage, knowing this, asked his sons to chop off mother’s head but none came forward. Only Parasurama, to abide his father, came forward and did it and also cut his hand. Nearby Dhobis (Cloth washers) came to rescue the mother but Parasurama killed all of them. The sage was pleased and asked Parasurama’s wish and he rightly wanted his mother back.

Sage agreed and asked Parasurama to join the head and the body and sprinkle holy water over them.Parasurama did so and his mother came to life and also the dhobis who died in the fight. But, alas, his mother’s head was attached to a dhobi woman’s body and vice versa while doing it in an anxiety. But then Universal mother might have wanted this way only and she then made that dhobi woman, her close maiden. She is also worshipped here.

All these happened in Padavedu. There is a river nearby where dhobis washed the clothes. The Holy ash given in the temple is the one from the sage Jamadagni’s yaga Gunda which still exists.

Karthaveeryarjunan stole the Kamadenu cow of Jamadagni after killing him. Renukadevi accompanied her husband in death. However, as rain fell, she appeared with burn injuries and neem leaf clothing and met her son Parasurama. Parasurama pursued Karthaveeryarjuna and killed him and recovered the Kamadenu and began destroying the Kshatriya community.

Lord Shiva appeared before Parasurama and said that what happened was the act of destiny and asked him to end the anger. While Renukadevi’s head alone stayed in Earth, the body accompanied Jamadagnito higher worlds. This is how, Renuka’s head alone stayed and now a swayambu in the Padavedu temple.

The Prasadam offered in the temple is sand dug from a pit from a place a little away where an ashram of Sage Jamadagni – husband of Renukadevi – is believed to have existed. It seems that the sand is ever filling. It is taken on Aani Thirumanjanam day in June-July. People mix it in water and consume for childboon and cure from stomach pain. Many say that this is very effective.

The sanctum sanctorum is very different in the temple. Mother Renukadevi is a swayambu with head alone. All the three Lords are also believed to be in the sanctum without forms. Acharya Sankara had installed a Banalinga and idol head here. The full form of Amman also is in the form of a sculpture on the wall along with the idol of Sage Parasurama. It is believed that many great souls had performed penance in this region. Of the Shakti Peetas in the Thondai Mandalam region, this temple is one.

The place also gains importance as the birth place of Sage Parasurama born to Sage Jamadagni and Mother Renukadevi, hence praised as Parasurama Kshetra. Ganapathi Muni had performed penance here. The temple has beautiful sculptures.

Amman in the temple is a swayambu murthy – head alone. This is one among the Shakti Peetas. Against the kumkum Prasadam offered in Shakti temples, only sand is offered here. Though an Amman temple, three are no lion paintings on the walls but only cows. Also against a lion or Yazhi (belonging to lion family) vahanam in Amman shrines, there is a bull here.

To prove that everything is under the power of Shakti, it is believed that three Lords, Brahmma, Vishnu and Shiva are in the sanctum sanctorum formless. Worshipping Ambica means worshipping all the Godsand 30 crore Devas of the celestial world.

The main entrance of the temple is facing east. The Rajagopuram on the main entrance has three storeys and five kalasams (finials). Beautiful stucco figures of Parasuramar, Renugai, Lakshmi, Saint Jamathakni, Meenakshi, Subramaniar and Brahma are found on the Rajagopuram

From the inner side of the main entrance there is a long corridor with pillars on both sides which leads to flag staff, Nandi and Balipeetham. Bell tower and Temple Kitchen are at the left side of this entrance. Vahana Mandapams and temple office are situated at south Prakaram

Moving through south Prakaram we can see the Vinayagar shrine at south west and Subramaniar shrine(with his consorts Valli and Deivanai) at North West. Both the shrines are facing east. Devotees used to assemble at  the small front mandapam  of these shrines to perform austerities.

Renugai Amman Moolavar Sannathi is east facing. In front of Sanctum Sanctorum is Artha Mandapam. Stainless steel pipes are fixed to enable the devotees to come in queue and offer their heartfelt prayers to Goddess Renugambal. 

Next to Artha Mandapam, there is a spacious Maha Mandapam. Two “dwarapalagis” guard the entranceof Ardhamandapam. Beautiful Sculptures depicting various scenes from Puranas are found on the pillars of Maha mandapam.

Utsavar Sannadhi is located at the Northern side of Maha mandapam facing south. Few stone steps from Mahamandapam lead us to Utsavar Sannathi. Inner side of the eastern walls of Mahamandapam carries stone inscriptions. Colourful paintings portraying the story of goddess Renugambal are fixed on the eastern walls.

The Nanakarshna Chakram consecrated by Adi Sankarar is found at eastern side of Maha mandapam facing the Goddess Renugambal Amman.

An impressive sculpture showing Goddess Renugambal blessing Lord Rama is found on the northern walls of the temple. In one portion of the temple wall, the figures of 108 women dancers are beautifully engraved. The specialty of this sculpture is that the women are in different postures and minute gaps (pin holes) are found in between thedancing women.

Such works of art are available in abundance. This shows the growth of art in the reign of Sambuvarayas. The pillars of Maha Mandapam carry interesting scenes from Puranas. Temple timings : 6.30 A.M. to 1 PM &  3 PM. to 8.30 PM To Return to the Index of Contents, Click Here.

Author: kalyangeetha

Interested in travelling and having Darshan of several Temples in India and abroad. Retired as President from Navayuga Spatial Technologies Ltd & previously as General Manager (AS&DM) , NRSC, Department of Space

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