Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Arulmigu Shri Dhandayuthapani temple, Palani, Dindigul

   Palani Arulmigu Shri Dhandayuthapani temple is one of the Six Abodes of Murugan. It is located in the town of Palani in Dindigul, 100 kilometres (62 mi) southeast of Coimbatore and northwest of Madurai in the foot-hills of the Palani hills, Tamil Nadu, India. Palani temple is considered synonymous with Panchamirtam, a sweet mixture made of five ingredients.
As per Hindu legend, Sage Narada visited the celestial court of Shiva at Mount Kailash to present to him a fruit, the gyana-palam (literally, the fruit of knowledge). He decided to award it to whichever of his two sons first circled the world thrice. Accepting the challenge, Karthikeya started his journey around the globe on his mount peacock. However, Ganesha, who surmised that the world was no more than his parents Shiva and Shakti combined, circumambulated them and won the fruit. Karthikeya was furious and felt the need to get matured from boyhood and hence chose to remain as a hermit to Palani. The idol of the Muruga in Palani was created and consecrated by sage Bogar, one of Hinduism's eighteen great siddhas, out of an amalgam of nine poisons or navapashanam.
Other than the steps and sliding elephant way, there is a winch and rope car used to transport devotees uphill. Six poojas performed from 6.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m and special poojas on festival days the temple, when is is open from 4.30 a.m. As of 2016, the temple was the richest among temples in the state with a collection of 33 crore during the period of July 2015 to June 2016.

Legend

Lord Murugan



Lord Muruga had just been outsmarted by his brother Ganesa in a contest for going who around the world first and He was still smarting over the matter. Ganapati had won the fruit (the yhana-pazham) by simply going around his parents. Long after this, Subrahmanya came seating on his peacock to find that the fruit had already been given away. In anger, He consecrated to leave his home and family and came down to Tiru Aavinankudi at the Adivaaram (meaning 'foot of the Sivagiri Hill'). Siva pacified him by saying that Subrahmanya Himself was the fruit (pazham) of all wisdom and knowledge. Hence the place was called Pazham-nee ('You are the fruit') or Palani. Later He withdrew to the hill and settled there as a hermit in peace and solitude.

      Lord Muruga, in His aspect as Lord Dandayudhapani, stands for repudiation. Shunning all wordly possessions, the only apparel He has chosen to retain is a breechcloth . But His bhaktars never tire of offering Him costly garments and enriching His wardrobe with luxurious royal clothes which are used to adorn Him when His devotees yearn to see the Lord in the vesture of a King. For indeed, His state is that of a Swami or self-governing Lord.

It is also claimed by many that the materials of abhishegam like milk, sandalpaste, etc., attain medicative properties on being decanted over Lord Palaniandavars idol and they have healed many diseases, when taken by the patients.


The avatar of Palani Andavar is said to have been made of Navapaashanam ( a combination of Veeram, Pooram, Rasam, Jathilingam, Kandagam, Gauri Pasanam, Vellai Pasanam, Mridharsingh, Silasat), by a siddhar called Bhogar.


Idumban



       Sage Agastya wanted to take two hills - Sivagiri and Sakthigiri - to his abode in the South and commissioned his disciple Idumban to carry them. Idumban bore the hills slung across his shoulders, in the form of a kavadi one on either side. When he was fatigued, he placed the kavadi near Palani to take rest.

      At this stage, Subrahmanya or Muruga had been outwitted in a contest for going round the world. Ganapati had won the prized fruit (pomegranate or mango) by simply going round His parents. Long after, this, Subrahmanya came sweating on His peacock to find that the prize had already been given away. In anger, the frustrated child left the divine parents and came down to Tiru Avinankudi at the Adivaram (pronounced Adivaram. It means foot of the Sivagiri Hill). Siva pacified Him by saying that He (Subrahmanya) Himself was the fruit (pazham) of all wisdom and knowledge nee - you. Hence the place was called 'Pazham Nee' or Palani. Later, He withdrew to the hill and settled there as a recluse in peace and solitude.

      When Idumban resumed his journey, he could not lift the hill. Muruga had made it impossible for Idumban to make it. In the fierce battle that ensued, Idumban was killed but was later on restored to life. Idumban prayed that:

      1. whosoever carried on his shoulders the Kavadi, signifying the two hills and visited the temple on a vow, should be blessed and

      2. he should be given the privilege of standing sentinel at the entrance to the hill.

      Hence we have the Idumban shrine halfway up the hill where every pilgrim is expected to offer obeisance to Idumban before entering the temple of Dandayudhapani. Since then, pilgrims to Palani bring their offerings on their shoulders in a kavadi. The custom has spread from Palani to all Muruga shrines worldwide.

Bhogar 



       Bogar is a Siddhar, he is considered as one of the 18 siddhars born in the world. According to epigraphical sources and his book Bogar Seven thousand his period is around 3000 B.C. Bogar born at India and visited China in search of truth of life, he gained knowledge in medicine, astrology, spritiuality, yoga etc. Bogar anticipating that in due course of period, human beings will suffer from large number of disease. As an expert in medicine he used 4448 rare herbs and made 9 poisonous medicine, mixing these 9 poisons into one needs great knowledege and skill, to make a Master Medicine ( One medicine to cure all disease ). Thirumoolar also discuss one such Master Medicine in his book Thiru Mandiram. With the consultation of Agasthiar ( Father of Ayurvedic Medicine) and other siddhars Bogar mixed the 9 poisons ( Nava Bashanam ) and made the Master Medicine in the form of Lord Murugan which is currently worshiped at Palani Murugan temple. There is a place near Palani Hill called Thanasiappan Temple which is the place were Bogar mixed the Nava Bashanam and made the Murugan idol. Bogar and others then decided that by using the milk and panchamirtham ( a sweet recipe ) poured on the idol, one can extract the medicine from the idol. The milk and panchamritham then becomes medicine to cure disease. After installing Lord Murugan Navabashana idol at the Palani Hill, Bhogar used to worship it with milk abishegam ( pouring milk on the idol ) and panchamirtha abishegam ( pouring panchamirtham on the idol ). His disciple Pulipani siddhar then took over the job of Lord Murugan pooja after Bogar went into Nirvigalpa Samadhi - the highest samadhi stage where the Mind dissolves with Matter and Energy.

      Bogar Samadhi is inside Palani Murugan temple at Palani Hill. Actually Bogar himself constructed his samadhi exactly under the Lord Murugan Navabasha idol and went into Nirvigalpa Samadhi there. The entrance to his samadhi is a cave like structure, now also worship for this great siddhar is conducted at this entrance where he is last seen by his disciples which is at the Palani temple.

Temple (An Oceanic Life Story)



Bogar is a Siddhar, he is considered as one of the 18 siddhars born in the world. According to epigraphical sources and his book Bogar Seven thousand his period is around 3000 B.C. Bogar born at India and visited China in search of truth of life, he gained knowledge in medicine, astrology, spritiuality, yoga etc. Bogar anticipating that in due course of period, human beings will suffer from large number of disease. As an expert in medicine he used 4448 rare herbs and made 9 poisonous medicine, mixing these 9 poisons into one needs great knowledege and skill, to make a Master Medicine ( One medicine to cure all disease ). Thirumoolar also discuss one such Master Medicine in his book Thiru Mandiram. With the consultation of Agasthiar ( Father of Ayurvedic Medicine) and other siddhars Bogar mixed the 9 poisons ( Nava Bashanam ) and made the Master Medicine in the form of Lord Murugan which is currently worshiped at Palani Murugan temple. There is a place near Palani Hill called Thanasiappan Temple which is the place were Bogar mixed the Nava Bashanam and made the Murugan idol.

Bogar and others then decided that by using the milk and panchamirtham ( a sweet recipe ) poured on the idol, one can extract the medicine from the idol. The milk and panchamritham then becomes medicine to cure disease. After installing Lord Murugan Navabashana idol at the Palani Hill, Bogar used to worship it with milk abishegam ( pouring milk on the idol ) and panchamirtha abishegam ( pouring panchamirtham on the idol ). His disciple Pulipani siddhar then took over the job of Lord Murugan pooja after Bogar went into Nirvigalpa Samadhi - the highest samadhi stage where the Mind dissolves with Matter and Energy.

Bogar Samadhi is inside Palani Murugan temple at Palani Hill. Actually Bogar himself constructed his samadhi exactly under the Lord Murugan Navabasha idol and went into Nirvigalpa Samadhi there. The entrance to his samadhi is a cave like structure, now also worship for this great siddhar is conducted at this entrance where he is last seen by his disciples which is at the Palani temple.

Navapashanam (The icon made by siddha Bhogar by combining nine poisonous substances)

He deity of Palani is known as Dandayudhapani Swami, the Lord having the Staff in his Hand. The deity at the sanctum sanctorum is made out of an amalgam of nine minerals popularly called Navapashanam. Some people say it is a combination of medicinal herbs. It consits of the following items : Veeram, Pooram, Rasam, Jathilingam, Kandagam, Gauri Pasanam, Vellai Pasanam, Mridharsingh, Silasat. The deity is in a standing position with a baton in his hand. He has the look of a person who has renounced all worldly pomp. He has just a loincloth besides the baton. He is a mute messenger of the great precept 'Renounce all to reach Me'. The icon is unique in the whole world. It was made by siddha Bhogar by combining nine poisonous substances (Navapashanam). Murugan signifies beauty and Lord Murugan of Kurinji land is the god of Beauty and Youth.


Archaeological Details

           The Palani Hill temple has been constructed on the top of a hill. It is said that the temple was built by a Chera King.
1. EDICTS : 
   
   On the outer walls of Lord Murugas shrine there are many edicts, made by some Pandya Kings, Sadayavarman sundarapandiyan, Sadayavarman veerapandian, Veera Nanjana wudaiyar , Mallikarjuna Devarayar II and others. The edict by Sundarapandiyan is the oldest of all. He was also Known as Kongupandiyan and was the famous king of the later Pandya Dynasty . He ascended the throne in 1251 AD. From the inscriptions on the wall, he come to know that many kings have gifted lands and villages to the temple to enable the conduct of regular Poojas. In 1300 AD king Jatavarman sundrapandian gifted a village for carrying a special daily Pooja in his name. It is called Avani Vendha Raman Sandhi. 
2. SCULPTURE AT THE HILL TEMPLE :
   
   In the front Mandapam of the temple there are many beautiful and artistic sculpture pieces live Siddhas in penance, parrot, peacock, deer, Karpaga vriksha (Divine Tree ) and so on. There are also icons of Dhandayuthapani. His devotees, as also Yaali . At the entrance near the Raja Gopuram there are two nice sculpture pieces - a young lady carrying her child in the right arm and carrying a flower basket in the left another beautiful lady , the friend of the first standing in front of her. There are pillars with Yaali in the Paaravel Mandapam. In the Ardha Mandapam there are sculptures of young, good looking damsels. They create a sense of admiration in the minds of the visitors. The Tamils belive that Murugan resides where there is beauty. The Sanctum of Dhandayuthapani Swami is full of art-work. The ceiling here having the Kodungai design speaks of the talent of the sculptors. The balcony - like structure on the outer side of this area adds beauty. Such artistic work can be seen on the pillars of Thiruvavinankudi temple and Periyanayagiamman temple. In the Navaranga Mandapam here there are two pieces the divine dance of Lord Siva and (opposite to this ) the dance of Kali after her shedding her ego .
3. PAINTING :
     
  In the temple walls of Periyanayaki Ammam Temple there is a beautiful ancient painting, revealing the art of singers, artists and dancers. It belongs to the Nayak period.
4. ANCIENT COINS : 
  
    In Palani area , old coins of ancient kingdoms were also found.


Vallisunai



In the Hill temple, Valli sunai considered to be the most ancient and holiest, was not properly cleaned for the part 15 Years. The Sunai was cleaned (for more then 10 days) and transformed into a cleaned Holy Sunai.

About the Hill Temple



Height of the Hill : 150 M.

Total Steps : 693

Direction of temple : Towards West.

Pragaram around hill                                                    
(Giriveethi ) : 2.4 KM

Chariot's



Golden Chariot




Golden Chariot is at the Hill Temple and it has been made using 4.730 Kg of Gold and 63.000Kg of Silver. This Golden Chariot was donated on 17.8.1947 by Thiru V.V.C.R.Murugesa Mudaliar of Erode. The Fee for the Thangaratha Ula (Golden Chariot Procession) is Rs.2,000/,for which two members are allowed. The Golden Chariot procession is held on every day, except on Festival days (ThaiPoosam -4days, Panguni Utharam 4Days,Navarathiri -10days,Soorasamharam-1day and Deepa Kirthigai - 1 day)

Silver Chariot



This Chariot is at Arulmigu Periyanayagi Amman temple one of the subtemples and it was donated in the year 1939 by Thiru Ummudi Ramaiah Chetty and Gurusamy Chetty & Co., of Chennai. The weight of the Chariot is 713.725kg The silver Chariot is drawn only on 6th day of ThaiPoosam Festival , 6th day of Panguni Utharam festival , Chirtra Pournami and last Adi Friday .

Wooden Chariot



Three Wooden Chariots are at Arulmigu Periyanayagi Amman Temple and one chariot is at Poomparai Temple, Kodaikanal. Wooden Chariots' procession are conducted only on ThaiPoosam, Panguni Utharam, Vaikasi Visakam and for Mari Amman festival.

Winch



The capacity of winch is 36 seats and length of the way is 290 meters from base station to hill temple and travel time is only 8 minutes. The cost of winch is cheap and It operates from 5.20 A.M to 9 P.M. On festival days Winch will be operated from 3.20 A.M to 9.00 P.M.
      Three Man Riding Haulage Winches are operated. The 36 seater 1st Winch was installed in the year 1966, the 32 Seater 2nd Winch was installed in the year 1981 and the 36 seater 3rd Winch was installed in the year 1988.

The cost of journey of the winch for upward and downward :

        Normal Way (Above 3 years)     Rs. 10/-
        Special Way                                    Rs. 50/-
      Along the winch tracks beautiful Greenish garden is maintained, water falls and Lily ponds are maintained at the lower winch station

Rope Way System



The rope-car takes only 2.45 minutes to cover the distance of 323 metres . The rope car is faster than winch.
      The Rope car system is introduced for the first time in Tamilnadu at Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple, Palani for the benefits of the devotees.
      A mono Cable Fixed Grip Reversible Jig-Back Rope way system is being operated with four cabins on each side with 350 passengers per Hour capacity with travel time of 3 minutes.
      The rope way is operated from 7.00A.M to 9.00P.M with one hour break between 1.30P.M to 2.30P.M.
Fare for Rope way : One way trip - Rs.15/-, Special way - Rs.50/-
      Italian and Korean grass giving rock a greenish look were planted on the hill embarkment on the rope car station. 30 meters High artificial water fall is being created along the rope car alignment. Flower giving plants are also planted giving beautiful location. Watering all these, water spray guns are used.


Second Ropeway System :

      Second rope way system of the same existing type but with higher capacity is going to be installed for which necessary action has already been taken.

Landscaping :

      Italian and Korean grass giving the rock a greenish look were planted on the hill embankment on the rope car station. 30 meters High artificial water fall is being created along the rope car alignment. Flowering plants are also planted to create a beautiful sight. The eye-catching green park has drip and sprinkler facilities. Artificial falls and greenery are now an added attraction.


Material Ropeway System :

      The installation of material rope way at cost of Rs.36 Lakhs to bring down the carbages collected at the hill temple is in progress.


Thiru Aavinankudi (Kulandai Velayudhaswami Thirukkovil)

       

This ancient and large temple at the foot of the hill is the third Padai-Vidu celebrated in song, classics, legend and tradition since antiquity. The official name of the shrine is Kulandai Velalyudhaswami Temple Thiru Avinankudi is the name of the place. A sacred tank is attached to the temple.

      Thiru Avinankudi is among the earliest abodes of Muruga and perhaps it had humble beginnings under the shade of the Nelli tree (amla). Poet Nakkirar says that God Muruga holds at Thiru Avinankudi a Royal Court of all gods with saints emancipated and clad in saffron-dyed clothes and deer skin. The presiding deity is Muruga as a child sitting on a peacock. A convenient and full view can be taken by the worshippers since the sanctum is on an elevation. He is like a kindly monarch on His throne who receives the humble tributes and petitions of His loyal subjects. The festival deity and the Nelli and Nagalinga flora and the shrine of Arunagirinathar are worth your notice.


      The temple was renovated lavishly between 1898 and 1910 by N. M. Subramanian Chettiar of Karaikudi and K. P. S. Palaniappa Chettiar of Kandanur. SP. Ramanathan Chettiar and other members of the first donor's family have added in 1968 a majestic raja gopuram - one of Palani's landmarks visible from the hill-temple. Since the late 1970's, a few small shrines and an artistic mandapam have been constructed, adding to the beauty of an already beautiful temple.


Saravana Poikai :

       
Saravana Poikai is the name of a pool in the Himalayas, from whose waters the divine child, saravanapoikaiMuruga, is believed to have emerged. Hence the name Saravana Bhava. Saravana Poikai pools in Muruga shrines are sources of redemption. Accumulated sins are thought to be destroyed by a dip here. As fire consumes fuel, so too this sacred pool consumes the sins of the wicked.

The Saravana Poikai at Thiru Avinankudi has drawn uncounted millions to its banks. It has a hoary tradition and a bath or at least a symbolic use of its waters over your head is a prerequisite for entering the sanctum sanctorum. Bath taps are provided at separate enclosures for men and women.

Festivals

Thai   -  Thai Poosam


This is a very important festival , associated with pilgrimage to Palani. Devotees from Tamil Nadu reach Palani by foot (Pada Yathra) and worship. Begining with flag-hosting at Perianayagiamman Temple, this festival runs on for 10 days. Kavadi of various types (with holy water, sugar, flowers, tender co-conuts, etc., ) are offered to Murugan at Palani. On the 6th day, there is procession of Lord Muruga with Valli and Deivanai in the Silver Car. During this, Kavadi dance and rural musical-dance are performed. On the 7 th day there is "Thai Thaer" (wooden Car) and thousands of devotees participate in this. On the 7th day "Chinna Kumarar" goes round in His Golden Car.

Panguni - Panguni Uthiram



This also is a very important festival here, and is celebrated for 10 days, devotees carry Kavadies with holy water (from sacred rivers), sugar, tender co-conut etc. During these 10 days, we can see various rural dances like "Oyilattam, Thappattam, Dhidumattam,Velanattam, Samiyattam"etc., along with rural songs. The rural music is an important part of Paunguni uthiram festival.

      The main feature of Panguni Uthiram is the offering of "Theertham" (Posts of Holy water) from Kodumudi. Lord Palaniandavar is given abhishekam with this holy water. The devotees carrying Kavadi to Palani sing Kavadi - songs throughout their 'Padayathra' and these songs are ancient oral songs.

      On the 1st day, there is flag hoisting at Thiruvavinankugi Temple and on all the 10 days Lord Muthukumara Swamy with Sri Valli and Sri Deivanai goes in procession around the Palani Hill. On the 7th day there is "Car Festival" and this is attended by thousands of devotees. During these days the Lord also is given special reception and pooja at many 'mandapams' in the Palani Adivaram area. It is a grand sight to see Lord Muruga with his concerts during these processions.

Cithirai - Chitra Pournami



On this day, a ten-day festival is conducted at Arulmigu Lakshminarayana perumal temple. At the Periyanayakiamman Temple also, Lord Muthukumara Swamy, along with Valli and Deivanai, rides in the silver car along the streets around the Temple.

Agni Nakshatram 


This is one of the important festivals at Palani. During the last 7 days of Chitrai and the first 7 days of the following month(i.e.Vaikasi) the devotees of Lord Muruga go around the Hill by foot, early in the mornings. As per the Palani mythology, it is considered holy to worship the Hill temple from afar or from near or go around it. It is also called Girivalam. It is an age old practice. In ancient days the siddhas, rishis, saints and other noble persons followed this practice. Girivalam gives mental peace, the medicinal herbs around the hillock cure many physical diseases. Nowadays people go around the temple by wearing Kadamba Flower.

On the 1st day, there is flag hoisting at Thiruvavinankugi Temple and on all the 10 days Lord Muthukumara Swamy with Sri Valli and Sri Deivanai goes in procession around the Palani Hill. On the 7th day there is "Car Festival" and this is attended by thousands of devotees. During these days the Lord also is given special reception and pooja at many 'mandapams' in the Palani Adivaram area. It is a grand sight to see Lord Muruga with his concerts during these processions.

Vaikaasi - Vaikaasi Visakam


This is celebrated for ten days. At the Perianayaki amman temple, it is celebrated for 10 days with procession every day. There is car festival on the 10th day(i.e Visakam). Visakam is Lord Muruga's birthday star. This is celebrated at all Murugan Temples.

Aani - Aani Annabhisekam


During the Tamil month of Aani(3rd month of the Tamil year) Annabhishekam (abhishekam with fragrant cooked rice) is conducted at Thiruvavinankudi Temple, Hill Temple, Periyanayagi Amman temple and Periyavudaiyar Temple. On Aani Uthiram Day, abhisekam is performed to Lord Nataraja and a procession is conducted with the Lord in the Company of the icons of the four Tamil Saints.

Aadi - Aadi Perukku

From Perianayaki amman Temple, Lord Kailasanathar and Amman go to Periyavudaiyar Koil and after performing "Kannimar Pooja" return in a procession.

Aadi Krithigai

This is celebrated in a grand way at Palani. Devotees carry flower-Kavadi to Lord Muruga and Worship.

Aadi Amavasai

On this day many devotees offer 'tonsure' on the banks of Shanmuga River and climb the Hill for worship. In the book of Palani mythology this has been mentioned in the chapter on 'Shanmuga Nadi'. Devotees consider that they get cleansed of their sins once they bathe in the Shanmuga River.

Aadi Laksharchana

At Periyanayaki Amman Temple, this is conducted well , and Amman (Goddess Periyanayaki) is given special abhishekam and decoration . On the last day of the function, Amman is adorned with the "Golden Kavacham".

Kandhar Shasti - Soora Samharam


This is a very important festival at Palani, during the 6 days in the month of Aippasi (7th Tamil month). This is based on the mythological story of Lord Muruga Killing the demons. On this day only (once in a year) the Lord comes down the Hill, and after vanquishing the demons, ascends the Hill again. This is associated with Kandhar Shasti. The four demons (Gajamugan, Tharagan, Singamugan and Surapadman) are won by the Lord. It is a grand sight to see the dramatic representation of this. On this day devotees observe total fasting as they consider that this will offset all their sins.

Karthigai - Thirukkarthigai

From Thirugnanasambandar's statement "Ancient Karthigai day", we known about the age-old practice of this festival. It falls on Karthigai Day in the Tamil month of Karthigai. It is celebrated for 10 days and daily "Chinna Kumarar" goes in processionin the small golden carriage. On Karthigai day, he goes inthe Golden Car. On the 10th day, woman devotees light lamps and worship Murugan. This is done in Thiruvavinankudi, Periyanayagi Amman Temple and the Hill Temple.This is a very important day for devotees. Every month also, an Karthigai day, devotees visit Palani.

Maargali Pooja

During the Tamil month of Markazhi (9th month) the Hill Temple opens at 4 A.M, and recital of Thiruvembavai is done. The early morning Pooja is done in all the main Temples in Palani. The recital of Thiruppavai is done at Perumal temple.

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Sri Virudhagireeswarar Temple, Virudhachalam, Cuddalore

The Vriddhagiriswarar Temple is a Hindu temple in the town of Vriddhachalam, Cuddalore district. The presiding deity is Vriddhagiriswarar. The temple gives its name to the town of Vriddhachalam.

During the days of Saivite Saints Appar, Gnanasambandar and Sundarar, the place was known as Pazhamalai in Tamil and changed to the Sanskrit version Vruddhachalam in the days that followed.  Vruddham means ancient and Achalam hill.  It is also said that Lord Shiva appeared here only in the form of this mount and other mounts came into being only later, according to scriptures.  Sage Vibasithu had a dip in the Manimutha river and undertook the renovation of his temple.  He gave the workers the leaves of the Vanni tree which later changed into coins to the value due to the workers based on the quantum and quality of his work, is a story believed by generations of devotees.  The Vanni tree is 1700 year old, say researchers. 

Sundarar passed through this place without singing the glory of the Lord.  He was stopped by the Lord, made him sing and gifted 12,000 gold coins, placed it in Manimutha River and directed him to collect it from the temple tank in Tiruvarur, according to sthalapurana.


Temple's Speciality

Lord Shiva in the temple is Swayambumurthy. Girivalam-cicumambulating the hill takes place on each Poornima-full moon days. The age of the holy tree Vanni is over 1700 years. It is the faith of the devotees that salvation is surety if he/she is born in the place, or live in the place, or pray the Lord here, or even thinking of Him even while elsewhere and die in this place. One of the above five criteria will free him/her from the cycle of births and deaths. As in Kalahasthi temple, Lord Vinayaka is in an underground shrinewith 18 steps to get in for worship. When the world was destroyed by pralaya floods, it is said that this holy place-Vruddhachalam stood unaffected and fully alive. Of the 1008 Shiva shrines of the country considered in high esteem, four lead this divine list of which Vruddhachalam is one.

Greatness Of Temple


Lord Muruga with His consorts Valli and Deivanai graces the devotees from a shrine between Lord and Mother Vruddhambika shrine with 28 Shivalingas installed in accordance the Saiva Agama rules.  Lord Muruga is in a standing posture.  There are chakras above him promising the devotee that he would be blessed with all his wishes.  Lord Muruga with Chakras is rarely seen in a few Shiva temples only.  This is one among them. 

Number five has a significance in this temple.  Murthis are five –Lords Vinayaka, Muruga, Shiva, Shakthi and Chandikeswara.  Lord is praised by five names – Vruddhagiriswarar, Pazhamalai Nathar, Vruddhachaleswarar, Mudhu Kundreeswarar and Vruddhagiri.  There are five Vinayakas in the temple – Aazhathu Vinayakar, Mattru Uraitha Vinayaka, Muppillayar, Dasabhuja Ganapathy and Vallabha Ganapathi.  Five Rishis had the darshan of Lord – Romesa, Vibasiddhu, Kumaradeva, Nada Sharma and Anavardhini.  There five towers in the temple at east, west, south, north and Kandarathithan (a Chola king) gopuram.
There are five prakaras – called Tiruchuttru in Tamil.  Car-Rath, Kailaya, Vanniyadi, 63 Nayanmar Chuttru and Panchavarna Chuttru.  There are five Kodimarams-flag post with with five Nandhis – Indra Nandhi, Vedha Nandhi, Atma Nandhi, Maalvidai Nandhi and Dharma Nandhi.  There are five inner Mandaps – Artha, Idaikazhi, Thapana, Maha and Isai Mandapams.  Outer Mandaps are 20 pillar mandap, Deeparadhana, 100 pillar mandap, Vipachithu and Chitra mandapam. 

Five time puja is followed in the temple - Tiruvanandal, Kalasandhi, Uchi Kala, Sayaraksha and Arthajama at scheduled times from early morning till night.  The temple has five cars-raths for Lords Vinayaka, Muruga, Pazhamalai Nathar, Mother Periyanayaki and Sri Chandikeswara.  The place has five names – Tirumudhu Kundram, Vruddha Kasi, Vruddhachalam, Nerkuppai and Mudhugiri.
Saint Sundarar was on a fund raising mission to feed the devotees on the Panguni Uthiram festival in Tiruvarur.  Lord of this temple donated 12,000 gold coins to Sundararar.  Beware of robbers on the way, he placed all the coins in the Manimutha River and collected it in the tank in Tiruvarur.  This is a strange precaution.  Money placed in a river cannot be collected from a tank that has no link with each other.  But this miracle happened.  Thus came the proverb, “losing in the river and searching in the tank”.  As doubting Thomas, Sundarar wanted to test the touch of the gold he took from the tank in Tiruvarur.  Lord proved the quality of the gold with Lord Vinayaka as a witness who confirmed the touch.  Hence, Vinayaka in the inner prakara of the temple is praised as Mattru-touch, Uraitha-confirmed, Vinayaka- Mattru Uraitha Vinayaka.
The Mudhu Kundram temple was renovated by Maharshi Visithu, it is said.  Mudhu Kundram is situated on the banks of Manimutha River.  As a tradition, Mother Durga is the ruler in Shiva temple.  Here, She appears along with Mother Umayambika-Vruddhambika in a standing posture.
Of the 1008 noted Shiva temple, four are considered very sacred. Mudhukundram temple is one among the four.  The place stood majestically alive even during the Maha Pralaya that destroyed the world.  During the renovation of the temple, Vibasithu Rishi used to give the leaves of the Vanni tree as wages to the workers.  Based on the quantum and quality of the work of the labourer, it fetched the due value, it is said.  The ashes of the dead when dissolved in Manimutha River change into a stone and stay underneath, according to sthalapurana.
There are many hymns sung by Tamil Pandits praising this place, Lord and Ambica.  Perianayaki Ammai Pathigam, Kshethira Kovai Venba, Pazhamalai Nathar Andhadhi, Perianayaki Virutham, Bikshadana Navamani Malai, Guru Darishana Pathigam, Pillai Thamizh are a few to mention.  During his visit to this place, the king of Karnataka suffered due to hunger.  Mother Peria Nayaki, as a young woman fed him with milk and named him Kumara Deva. 
Lord Shiva as Nataraja danced in Thillai for a contest.  He played here for His own joy.
Vruddhachalam is as famous as Kasi-Varanasi as a salvation promising land known as Vruddhakasi.  It is also claimed that the benefit measure is a little bit more here than Kasi, hence the saying “Kasiyil Veesam Adhigam in Vruddhakasi”.  As believed in Kasi, here too Mother Vruddambika places the departed souls on Her lap and fan them with the pallu of Her Sari while Lord Shiva chants the Namshivaya mantra in the ears of the dead ensuring his/her salvation., according to Sthalapurana.
Vruddhambika means Goddess of elderly age.  Devotee Guru Namshivayar stayed in this place for a night on his way to Chidambaram.  He was very hungry and called Mother with a verse with a word Kizhathi.  Mother Periyanayaki came there as an old woman and replied that Kizhavi-old woman cannot bring food, only young woman can.  The devotee sang another verse describing the youthfulness of Ambica.  She appeared as a young beautiful woman and fed the devotee and thus came to be known as Balambika – young Mother. 
Saint Arunagiriar had sung 10 Tirupugazh hymns on Lord Muruga of this temple. The temple is also praised by Kuamaradeva, Shivaprakasar, Vadalur Vallalar Ramalinga Adigalar in their hymns.


Festival

10 day Brahmmotsavam drawing a huge crowd of devotees with a car festival on the 9th day in Masi (February-March); 10 day Aadi Pooram especially for Ambica with Wedding Festival and flag hoisting and Ambica procession; 10 day Vaikasi Vasanth Usav in May-June; Aani Tirumanjanam in June-July; Arudra Darshan n December-January; Skanda Sashti-Soora Samharam in October-November are the festivals celebrated in the temple. Special abishek is performed to procession deity Peria Nayakar on Poornima-full moon days. The devotee crowd in the temple is usually huge on Poornima-full moon and Amavasya-new moon days.



Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Thiru ArutPrakasa Vallalar Deiva Nilayam or Satya Gnana Sabha, Vadalur, Cuddalore

Satyagnana Sabha or the "Temple of Wisdom" is an octagonal structure constructed by the Saivite saint Ramalinga Swamigal in the town of Vadalur in Cuddalore district. The sanctum sanctorum of this temple is concealed from the main hall by seven curtains which are parted only on Thai Poosam day. All the four towers of the Chidambaram temple are visible from the sabha.The Satyagnana Sabha consists of three Saba, Chirchabai(சிற்சபை) which represents moon or left eye of human , porchabai(பொற்சபை) or golden sabai which represents sun or right eye of human and gyana sabai(ஞான சபை) which represents the third eye or wisdom of human.The building was built in octagonal shape which represents 8 bones in human skull.Only two Saints established Sanga(sabai) in Indian, World history one is Buddha another is Vallalar.All Saivet matts are for religious pupil where common man go there on need basis but a Sangam or Sabai is a place where common people can join organize and they can Interact with spiritual people. Vallalar clearly mentioned in his poetry as below "எச்சபை பொதுவென இயம்பினர் அறிஞர்கள் அச்சபை யிடங்கொள்ளும் அருட்பெருஞ் ஜோதி" meant that ."This Saba is a common place for every one who follows sanmargam(good way) ". Near to Satyagnana Sabha there is tharumasalai where free food offered to thousands of people every day.the tharumasalai has stove which is lighted by Ramalinga swamigal (Vallalar) still in use. Aside of tharumasalai the jeeva samathi of kalpattu ayyaa , who is the second sanmaargi who attained dheeksha from vallalar.

History

Before going into the details of the temple history, it would not be out of place to mention briefly the political and social condition of India, when Sri Ramalingaswamigal known as Vallalar came into the religious scene in Tamilnadu with a strong focus on educating people on the principles of religion, giving it a new face to foster tolerance and unity among the communities professing various faiths.

India was always the target of foreign powers to establish their empire here totally destroying the culture, civilization and the original religions of the country. They wanted to introduce their own language and religion and make the country their own with their own designs and part of their empire headquartered elsewhere. The years between 1757 and 1857 were so testing in nature that foreign politicians played their role effectively in India. Their intention was to promote their own religion. They wanted to eliminate the domestic religions humiliating our Acharyas.

Director of the East India Company, Mangles spoke in the British parliament in so passionate a language that no consideration should be entertained on Indian philosophies and that the country should be brought under the total control of their religion.

Lord Macaulay, who introduced English in education in India in the year 1836 in Bengal claimed that if the system was meticulously followed there would not be a single Hindu or Muslim in the country. He also said that he wanted to create a new society in India who would be Indians by birth but British by spirit.

But little he realized that he was founding a revolution. After the Sepoy Mutiny, Queen Victoria realized that it was impossible to sustain the British empire in India offending the religions of the country and declared that British rule in India would not interfere in the religious freedom of the people. Yet, the political developments opened the eyes of the educated and forced them to realize it was necessary to eliminate the superstitions among the people and the divisions caused by castes and creed. India needed great and dedicated reformers.

Bengal gave Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Gujarat Dayananda Saraswathi and Tamilnadu Sri Ramalinga Arutprakasa Vallalar to create a renaissance in the life of Indians. They gave a new definition to spirituality and their approach was so broad and noble that accommodated even those belonging to imported religions.

Sri Vallalar wanted to see a single ‘one world’ united by souls. His mission was entirely different from other Acharyas.

Sri Arutprakasa Ramalinga Vallalar was born on October 5, 1823 on a Sunday, as a Sun to dispel the darkness created by total misunderstanding of religions – illusions, says learned Tamil scholar Silambu Selvar Ma. Po. Si. in his book Vallalar Kanda Orumaipadu – Integration of souls as propagated by Vallalar.

The life of Vallalar was one with continuous struggles. His hymns Arutpa was criticized as Marutpa (illusion hymns) by some pundits. They too later realized that Vallalar’s Samarasa Suddha Sanmargam was an ideal religion that gave a new shape to our faith accommodating humanity as whole.

Sri Arutprakasa Ramalinga Vallalar was born to Ramiah and Chinnammai couples who lived in Marudur. Chinnammai had the habit of feeding at least one poor devotee before she took food. Son also followed the footprints of the mother. This is what prompted Ramalingaswamigal to establish the Dharma Sala.

Hexaganal shaped Sabha: To impress the truth that God helps devotees as a light-lamp, Vallalar created this lotus designed Sabha, lighting the lamp in the front of the design. During the daily pujas at 11.30 a.m. and 7.30 p.m. it is performed for this lamp and the curtains behind it. The Deepa offering (Deepa aaradhana) are shown in the small and golden sabhas (Chirchabai and Porchabai). There is a board reading, "only vegetarians allowed." Those desirous of dropping meat eating come here.

The Arutperunjothi Agaval authored by Vallalar is engraved here. The lamp lit by Vallalar in Sathya Gnana Sabha is still burning. There is a mirror in front of the lamp and curtains of black, blue, green, red, golden and white and multi colours. When the curtains are removed, the jyoti could be seen through the mirror. That is to say that man could see the light in him if he removes the seven bad traits in him.

Greatness Of Temple

The oven that never extinguishes: The oven lighted by Vallalar about 142 years ago, on May 23, 1867 in the Sathya Dharma Sala never extinguishes and continue to burn till today. Vallalar started the Annadhana – feeding the poor. The oven is 21 feet long and 2.5 feet deep. As the oven should not extinguish, the temple does not buy match box at all. Though no cooking is done during the nights, a staff of the temple would be putting firewood to keep the oven alive. The feeding is being continued for the past 142 years since it was started.


All provisions and other materials such as rice, sugar, salt etc. are supplied by devotees. The feeding is done five times a day – 6.00 a.m., 8.00 a.m., 12.00 a.m., 5.00 p.m. and 8.00 p.m.

Locked Room: This is known as Tirukappitta Arai (room). Vallalar hoisted the Sanmarga flag (flag of righteousness) in the year 1873 at Siddhi Valaga, at Mettukuppam near Vadalur and preached his principles to his disciples. Later, he lighted a lamp in Siddhi Valagam and advised all to worship it as God. Vallalar entered this room on 19th of Thai month (January-February) in the year 1874 and got united with the Jyothi. The room is called Tirukappitta Arai – locked room.

The room is opened on the second day of Thai poosam. The hymn sung by him named Tiru Arutpa is brought to the room in a palanquin. The room will be opened at 12.00 a.m. The devotees can have the darshan through the window of the room till 6.00 p.m. This is the room where Vallalar attained Samadhi.

His manuscript of Arutperunjothi Agaval (Agaval is one of the literary form in Tamil). Devotees can have the darshan of his idol, the Jyoti lighted by Him, the Wisdom Throne, (Gnana Simmasanam)
Vallalar was staying in the house of one Tiruvengadam from where he published the first four Thirumurai of his Arutpa. He would be writing during nights. Once, Tiruvengadam’s wife left a water bowl near him by oversight which Vallalar used as oil for the lamp and the lamp also performed well. During his Karunguzhi days in Thiruvengadam’s house Vallalar had Mustache also and a picture of this could be seen in the temple.

The Annadhanam is a daily ritual here. The Theenchuvai canal is on the Karunguzhi-Mettukuppam way. This was created by Vallalar to manage water scarcity.

Those suffering from any disease spill the Theechuvai water on head for a cure. The Charity place is also near where feeding is done to all irrespective of the numbers coming in.
There are many paintings pertaining to the life of Vallalar in his Marudur house where he was born. Even birds are fed. The first feeding will be for the crows.

There is also a home for the aged near the Satya Darma Shala. Vallalar’s disciple Kalpattu Iya Samadhi is here. All the aged people waiting their ends are taken care of here.
The worship slogan is "Arutperunjothi, Arrutperunjothi, Thaniperungarunai, Arutperunjothi – Blissful spark of the lamp, blissful spark of the lamp, all merciful, blissful spark of the lamp."

Vallalar’s disciple, Thozhuvur Velayutha Mudaliar called him Tiru Arut Prakasa Vallalar, meaning that his Guru was all charitable and bright.

Based on the fact that man breaths 21 thousand 600 times a day, a chain having a similar number of joints (kannis) is tied around the Sathya Gnana Sabha. Only coconut oil is used for lighting the lamps.

No photo of his accurate appearance is available. What is presently formed is on the white clothes he wore and on his glittering fair complexion.

Speciality

Vallalar established the Sathya Dharma Sala on May 23, 1867 to feed the poor all the days and the oven he lighted that day is still burning to continue the great charity.

Festival

Vallalar started the Jyoti Darshan (Lamp darshan) on Thai Poosam (January-February) in the year 1872. This festival is very devotionally celebrated since that day. The Jyoti darshan can be had by the devotees on this day only, after removing all the seven curtains in the Gnana Sabha – Wisdom Hall. The seven curtains will be removed that day at 6.30 a.m., 10.00 a.m., 1.00 p.m., 7.00 p.m. 10.00 p.m. and 5.30 a.m. the next morning. During the Poosam star days, three such darshans are shown at 8.00 p.m. removing only six curtains.