Temple

[jishnukrishna]

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Does anyoneknwo which is the largest temple in TN ? Is it madurai or sirrangam or chidambaram ? or.. Rameswaram?

What about at India level?

 

[jishnukrishna]

what about temple tower(gopuram)? Which is the tallest?

 

[N.R.Ranganathan]

Sir,
The tallest temple tower is the 236 feet tower of Srirangam. This also
is the biggest temple complex housing the town within the outer prakarams.

 

[Brahmanyan]

Temples

Sri Ranganathaswami Temple at Srirangam is claimed to be the largest Temple Complex in South India with an area of 156 acres. And the main Raja Gopuram on the southern ramparts completed in 1987 by the late 44th Jeeyar of Ahobila Mutt rising to the height of 236 feet is considered tallest Gopuram. The next tallest Gopuram is at Tanjavur with 216 feet main Gopuram of Brihadeeswara Temple. Other famour Gopurams in Tamil Nadu are Srivilliputhur with a height of 192 feet. Madurai Meenakshi Temple South Gopuram is 171 feet and Rameswaram Sri Ramanatha swamy Temple Gopuram is 160 feet. Among these only Tanjavur Gopuram is built fully with granite stones.

Regards,
Brahmanyan.

 

[N.R.Ranganathan]

temple

Mr.Brahmanyan,
Arunachala hills' height is 217 feet. ( Tiruvannamalai ). In and around
this town, there are stills many siddhas. Sri Seshadri Swamigal, Sri
RamanaMaharishi, Sri Gugai namasivayar, Sri Guru namasivayar, Saint-
poet Arunagirinathar, Izukki swamigal and many great saints/sages lived
here.

 

[Brahmanyan]

Mr.Ranganathan,

You are correct the Raja Gopuram of Sri Annamalayar Temple at Tiruvannamalai is 217 feet height, one foot more than Tanjavur Brihadeeswarar Temple. I am a regular visitor to the holy place of Tiruvannamalai and Sri Ramanasramam.

Regards,
Brahmanyan.

 

[N.R.Ranganathan]

Dear Mr.Brahmanyan,
The Tanjore temple tower is an engineering marvel. The tetrangled vimana
of the tower is covered by a square single piece stone admeasuring 81.3 tonnes.
In those days, there were no cranes , hoists or lifts. How did they
manage to take this stone to the top ? Well, the stone was hauled on an
inclined plane ( kutcha road laid for this purpose only ) for over 4 miles and
dragged to the top of the vimana !

The temple tower is shaped like a Meru.

 

[Brahmanyan]

Dear Mr. Ranganathan,

Brahdeeswarar Temple at Tanjavur is an engineering marvel indeed. It is one of my favourite Temples. I have visited this temple a number of times from my college days. Also seen outside and inside of the structure fully with the help of my relative who was with ASI in charge of Tanjavur circle for some time. Apart from that I had taken notes from various sources about this Temple. Time permits I want to share all the information about this temple in this forum or in my blog. According to the book by " Kudavayil Balasubramanian" a research scholar, the Sikaram on the temple gopura is not of single stone, but made up of pieces of stone joined to look as a single stone! However another great scholar and author C.Sivaramamurti has written that "The stone constituting the huge sikara, which is said to weigh 81.284 tonnes, is popularly believed to have been raised to its present height by being dragged on an inclined plane, which had its base at a place known as Sarapallam(elevation from depression), 6.44 kn away."

This temple has changed hands a number of times resulting in additions and deletions in some parts of the structures. Even the present statue of 12feet high huge monolithic Nandi in front of the main entrace was added by the Nayak kings in 16th century.

But one thing about this magnificient Temple will never change, that is the "Brihad" (huge).

Regards,
Brahmanyan.

 

[N.R.Ranganathan]

Dear sri Brahmanyan,
Quite a niece piece on Tanjore. Another temple, perhaps the best I have
seen,is Avudaiyarkoil near Arantangi. This is known for excellent and
unparalled work of architecture. Kodungai, 1000 pillar mandapam engraved
on just two pillars (?), architectural description of 27 constellations and
other great pieces here are breath-taking. Sculptors say they cant execute
similar art of workmanship. The small temple of Lord Ganesa is constructed
in such a way that the rays of Sun fall on the Lord all thru' the year !

The temple has great philosophical significance. The presiding deity is Lord
Athmanathar, Athma means the indwelling Self. There is no Lingam here,
but only the base i.e., avudaiyar. Similarly, there is no image of Divine
Mother, but only a Lotus. The Reality is formless !.

The way of doing 'neyvedyam' also is unique. There is a platform in front of
Avudaiyar and on it the priests pour hot boiled 'raw rice ' ( puzhungal arisi
sadam ) and keerai and bittergourd boiled without salt. steam arising therefrom
is the offering to the Lord. I request you to go thru' this link :
http://nkravi.sulekha.com/blog/post/2007/10/tiruchi-avudaiyar-koil-chatur-veda-mangalam.htm

thanks and regards,

 

[Brahmanyan]

Temples

Dear Mr.Ranganathan,

I am happy that you have posted about Avudaiyar Koil. This is one Temple I did not have the "call" to visit so far.I have heard so much about this Temple at "Tiruperundurai" renovated by Saint Manickavasagar known for its architectural intricacies. In fact our forefathers migrated from a village called "Pilluvalasai" very near to this place on the Arantangi/Mimisal road, three or four generations back.

Regards,
Brahmanyan.

 

[jishnukrishna]

there is a temple in a place called krishnapuram somewhere near tirunelveli which i visited when i was about 10 years old. It had great sculptures, such as chain like structure made of stone, muscial pillars etc. I dont know how to go there . maybe someone can help . i can go again if i get sufficient time . it is worth seeing.

 

[Bhooma]

http://tamilnadu.south-india-tourism.com/tamilnadu-temples/krishnapuram-temple.html

check this out . Krishnapuram temple can be reached from Tirunelveli. A place worth visiting .. for anybody.

 

[N.R.Ranganathan]

Dear Mr. Brahmanyan,
There is one temple at Tirumangalakudi, about 15 km from Kumbakonam.
Devotees desirous of visiting the Sun temple at Suryanarkoil must first pay
a visit to this temple before worshipping Sun god.

Here, the Lingam is swayambu and is known as Prananatheswarar and his
consort is Mangalambikai. This is one of the panchamangala kshetras.
The Lingam has three faces - human, animal and bird.

A sage called Kalava munivar knew he was going to be afflicted by leprosy.
He prayed to the navagrahas. Pleased with his devotion, the Navagrahas
granted a boon by which he avoided the disease. It is said that Brahma
thought otherwise since the planets have no right to give such a boon and
cursed them to suffer from this disease. When the navagrahas appealed to
him to show mercy, he asked them to go to this kshetra and pray the Lord.

The navagrahas had to bathe in the sacred temple tank and eat warm
curd rice placed on arka leaves ( erukkam ilai ) for one mandala. It is said
that they were cured of the disease at the end of one mandala. I have
read in one purana that the leaves of errukkam plant has toxic chemicals
and also chemicals with medicinal properties and that the warm curd
rice has the properties to extract the medicinal chemicals in the leaf in
infinitesimal quantities which is a cure for leprosy.

 

[saravananiyer]

Temples

Dear all,

Namaskarams. Iam a new member here from Chennai.

Am publishing a blog on some good temples and rare facts and significance about them without any commercial motto.

You shall kindly visit my page in your free time and give me suggestions or comments.

The link is given below.

Thirukkarugaavoor Sri Garbharakshaambigai

YOur valuable comments / corrections / suggestions invited.

Thanks & Warm wishes,
Saravanan Iyer

 

[Brahmanyan]

Avudayarkoil

Dear Sri Ranganathan,

Last week I had the opportunity of visiting this great Temple at Avudayarkoil about which you had written on 12.05.2007. Indeed, every thing in this Temple is unique and different. After seeing the wonderful work of Art I fully agree that what you have stated is cent percent correct. I wish members of our forum make a visit to this Temple and get the blessings of Sri Athmanathaswami and Yogambikai.

Thanks and Regards,
Brahmanyan.

Dear sri Brahmanyan,
Quite a niece piece on Tanjore. Another temple, perhaps the best I have
seen,is Avudaiyarkoil near Arantangi. This is known for excellent and
unparalled work of architecture. Kodungai, 1000 pillar mandapam engraved
on just two pillars (?), architectural description of 27 constellations and
other great pieces here are breath-taking. Sculptors say they cant execute
similar art of workmanship. The small temple of Lord Ganesa is constructed
in such a way that the rays of Sun fall on the Lord all thru' the year !

The temple has great philosophical significance. The presiding deity is Lord
Athmanathar, Athma means the indwelling Self. There is no Lingam here,
but only the base i.e., avudaiyar. Similarly, there is no image of Divine
Mother, but only a Lotus. The Reality is formless !.

The way of doing 'neyvedyam' also is unique. There is a platform in front of
Avudaiyar and on it the priests pour hot boiled 'raw rice ' ( puzhungal arisi
sadam ) and keerai and bittergourd boiled without salt. steam arising therefrom
is the offering to the Lord. I request you to go thru' this link :
http://nkravi.sulekha.com/blog/post/2007/10/tiruchi-avudaiyar-koil-chatur-veda-mangalam.htm

thanks and regards,

 

[Rajan]

Details about Kadiramangalam temple

Dear members,

I am a native of Kadiramangalam village now in Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu(earlier Tanjore district). But my family moved out of this place 3 generation back and I don't have any relative or contact in that place. Can anybody throw light about this place particularly temples of this place and in specific vella or vellai pillayar temple and vanadurga temple.
Thanks
Rajan

 

[Brahmanyan]

Avudayarkoil

This is a detailed rejoinder to my earlier post on the subject (6 Nov 2008- Temples- #40) to the benefit of our members.
I would consider the visit to "Avudayarkoil" was the best thing happened to us during our recent visit to Tanjavur and other places last month (October 2008). Though I have heard and read about this famous Sivasthalam which is unique in many ways I could visit the Temple only now. Avudayarkoil better known as "Tirupperundurai" in Saivaite literature is 13 Kms from Arantangi on the road to Mimisal. The Temple complex is fairly large one with main entrance facing South. The imposing seven storied main Gopuram is built on the second of the five "prakarams". This holy place is famous for its historical and religious importance gained by the close association with Saint Manickavasagar. The presiding deity of this temple is known as "Sri Athmanatha swami" Lord of (formless) Self and the consort is "Siva Yoga Nayaki or Yogambikai". There is no Siva Lingam in the Sanctum which is also facing South. The Lord is represented by "Avudayar"the pedestal. Outer Gold kavacha shaped as Sivalinga is kept on the Avudayar (Pedestal) for the purpose of Abhisheka and Pooja. Similarly the consort "Yogambikai" in her Sanctum has also no form. She is represented by Golden foot prints on the "peedam". There is no "Nandhikeswarar", nor the tradtional "Kodimaram" - Flagpost or "Balipeedam" in the Temple. Even the "Pradosha pooja" which is done to the "Nandhi" in Siva Temples is performed to "Sri Manickavasagar" here.There is no shrine for "Chandikeswarar" either. First thing that is strikingly different from other temples here is its clenliness. AvudayarKoil is under the administration of "Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam". Every part of the temple is kept clean. When we entered the Temple a "Guide" joined us to help. He introduced himself as Swaminatha Nambiyar (Nambi) a sthanikam attached to the Temple. We found him well informed and helpful. He took us round the Temple and showed us every aspect of Sculptural intricacies that this Temple is famous for. The main part of the Temple consisting of Sanctums of Lord Athmanathaswami and Yogambikai togather with the holy "Kurundhai" stone under which Saint Manickavasagar got his Guru Dheeksha must have been built by Saint Manickavasagar. All other structures must have been added by many Royal dynasties later on in stages. Pooja Rituals in this Temple follow Agamic traditions as also Vedic like in Chidambaram and performed by the priests belonging to a sect called "Nambiyars" (Nambis). Originally this Temple was owned by 301 families of Nambiyars. Due to various reasons and fund crunch the Temple was handed over to Tiruvavaduthurai Adheenam. Now there are only 30 odd families of Nambiyars to look after the Pooja rituals of the Temple. Another unique custom in this Temple is the offering of cooked Boiled rice, Bitter gourd and Keerai (greens) as Neivedyam offering to the Lord. We were told by the Sthanikam that the cooked boiled rice is spread on the stone before the Lord in the Sanctum and the steam is shown as nivedanam along with other items mentioned. These offerings are made for all the six times of Pooja.
Avudayarkoil is known for its sculptural excellence. Every thing in this temple is beautiful. There are Six Mandapams in the Temple containing excusitely carved figures in the stone pillars. The larger than life monolith figures of Agni and Agora Veerabadras at the entrance and Kaalidevi, Subrahmanya with bow, Bikshadanar, Sankaranarayanar, Urdhuvathandavar, Pasupatheeswarar and Narasimhamurthy are note worthy. I do not understand the significance of Lord Narasimha (avathara of Vishnu) in a Siva Temple ! Two other sculptures of "Kuravan and Kurathi" exhibits the excellence of the artists for minute details from toe to hair style. I have seen similar sculptures at Krishnapuram in Tirunelveli district (Tamilnadu), which was built by Nayaks of Madurai. But the most awe inspiring work is seen insides of the Canopy and Sun shades known as "Kodungai" which stretches all around the Mandapams. The rafters, tiles, paddings with hinges and decorative nails chiseled out of stone looks as though they were done in wood and iron. All over the ceilings are decorated with flowery patterns and stone chain links. At one place the stars are given the form of constellations that we see in the sky. There is no separate Navagraha Sannadhi here, instead the nine gruhas with their consorts are carved on pillars which found in a straight line. We also saw nice fresco paintings on the ceilings and walls in the Temple. I am not sure about the date of this work. May be done during the period of Nayak or Maratha rulers.
There are Ten Theerthams (water sources) in the Temple complex. The biggest among them is known as Agni Theertham, the main tank which has well built steps and clean water for bathing.

The Main festivals of the Temple take place during the Tamil months of Aani (June-July) and Margazhi (December-January). All festivals are Celebrated in relation to events connected with Saint Manickavasagar.

When we left the Temple after our dharshan, we felt that we should have spent more time in this wonderful abode of Sri Athmanathaswami.

Avudayarkoil is closely associated with Saint Manickavasagar and his magnum opus "Thiruvasagam". This post may not be complete unless a brief biography of the Saint is included. But due to compulsions of brevity I would like to write about it later.

However those who wish like to read the Biography in detail can find the same in the following URL:

http://davidgodman.org/tamilt/mkv.shtml

We can reach Avudayarkoil from Pudukkottai (49 Kms) via Aranthangi (13 Kms). The roads are good and not much of traffic. Good hotels are available for stay at Pudukkottai.

Again I wish to convey my thanks to Sri N.R.Ranganathan for introducing this wonderful Temple through this forum.

Brahmanyan.

 

[s007bala]

re

Dear members,

I am a native of Kadiramangalam village now in Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu(earlier Tanjore district). But my family moved out of this place 3 generation back and I don't have any relative or contact in that place. Can anybody throw light about this place particularly temples of this place and in specific vella or vellai pillayar temple and vanadurga temple.
Thanks
Rajan

Shri Rajan

http://www.freewebs.com/temptown/how_to_reach.htm

[FONT=&quot]Durgai Amman Koil is the famous Durga temple located in Kathiramangalam(Tanjore District).The temple was located 25 kilo metres away from kumbakonam and 14 Kilo metres from Mayiladuthurai.The other name for this God is Vana Durga.The pooja for this temple is held at Ragu kalam.The special for this temple is “Unmarried person who visited the temple can surely get married on their Successive visits”.The special buses can be operated from Kumbakonam to Kathiramangalam at the Festival time.I am very happy to say that I am born in the holy swamy Durgai amman temple village. This temple is also become very powerful for the devotional peoples.

sb
[/FONT]

 

[K Venkat Raman]

Dear members,

I am a native of Kadiramangalam village now in Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu(earlier Tanjore district). But my family moved out of this place 3 generation back and I don't have any relative or contact in that place. Can anybody throw light about this place particularly temples of this place and in specific vella or vellai pillayar temple and vanadurga temple.
Thanks
Rajan

I am a native of Kadiramangalam too! my father (N Krishnamoorthy) moved out of this place some 80 years back, my grand father (Nataraja Shastrigal - Ramayana Shastrigal) - breathed his last at Bhaskarraja Puram nearby, but I too do not know anybody over there. [email protected] ;

 

[DURGADASAN]

Dear Brahmanyan ji

It is "The Temple" every human must visit atleast once in his lifetime. It is not just religious, it actually depicts the athma inside us. I has mentioned about this temple in the thread in this part "Unknown ancient temples of tamilnadu".

Dear Rajan ji
Kadhiramangalam vanadurga devi is very famous. My mom's grandparents belong to that village. The speciality of this durga devi is only the front portion of this durga resembles the goddess. The backside looks like a "Snake". Hence, she is also considered as adhithevatha for rahu and special poojas are performed to get rid of "naga dhoshams".

One more belief is also there that this durga is also called "AKASA DURGA" and every day during night she will go to kasi to meet Anna poorna devi and visalakshi. So, the shrine will have a hole and is not the fully covered shrine.

Being the village your native, try to visit atleast once the temple. Very calm and cool atmosphere you feel.

Pranams