Viralimalai Shanmuganathar Temple

Name : Viralimalai Shanmuganathar Temple

Location :

Viralimalai is on the bus route between Madurai and Tiruchy. It is 25 kilometers from Tiruchy and 40 kilometers northwest of Pudukottai. From Azhankudi Viralimalai is 371/2 Kilometers.

Legends :

1) Legend tells us that Saint Arunagirinathar was directed in a dream to go to Viralimalai, which in those days was situated amidst thick jungle. Not far from Viralimalai Arunagiri lost his way in the jungle. From out of nowhere there appeared a Veddar or hunting tribesman who guided Arunagiri to large rock from where he could see Viralimalai hill. The Veddar vanished and only then did Arunagiri realize that his mysterious guide was none other than Lord Murugan Himself. Today the spot is marked by an ashram where bhaktars meditate on Lord Murugan's mercy.

2) Sages and saints were in the form of Kura trees and worshipped the Lord of Viralimalai. Hence this place was called Viravi Malai which later became Viralimalai. The poet Saint Arunagirinathar has mentioned in his songs about saints staying and worshipping Lord Muruga in this hill temple.

3) Saint Vashishtar's wife Arundhati forgets to feed Lord Murugan when he was born at Saravana Poigai. Due to this her husband cursed her. In turn Vashishtar was cursed by Lord Murugan for the ill fate he brought on his wife. As per mythology both Vashishtar and his wife Arundhati prayed here in Viralimalai to ward off their curse. Saints like Kashyapa Munivar and Naradar are believed to have offered their prayer here in Viralimalai to ward off curses.

4) The representative of the Palayamkarar Karupamuthu Pillai used to visit the temple every Friday. During one such visit, due to heavy rains there was flood and tanks bunds were broken. The river Mamundi was also flooded and Karupamuthu Pillai was cut off from the mainland. He neither had food to eat nor cigars to smoke and was in great misery as he was a chain smoker. Lord Murugan appeared before him, gave him cigar and matchstick and also took him to the temple for darshan. From that day cigar is offered to Lord Murugan along with neiveidyam and given away as prasadam to devotees.

Description:

The hill is small and rocky. From the foot of the hill a beautiful flight of steps take us to the top. These footsteps are engraved on the rock and are 207 in number. In between there are beautiful mandapams for devotees to rest.

We find the statue of Kashyapa Muni and Narada Muni in the hill temple along with sculptures of Arundhati and Vashishta. We also find the sculpture of Arumugan and Arunagirinathar on the pillars found on the way to the temple. The temple is located on top of the hill and can be seen from a great distance. A beautiful flight of steps along with mandapams for devotees to rest, take us to the top of the hill. At the foot of the hills the water tank called Saravana Poigai is located on southern side. On the eastern side there is a Srine for the goddess Maikannudaiyal. It is customary to worship this goddess before climbing up the hill.

On the way to the hill top we find the Idumban Sannidhi a small cave Srine for Meenakshi Sundareshwar and a mandapam called Sandana Kottam at the end of the flight of steps. Adjacent to the Sandana Kottam Mandapam we find the Navaratri and Shanmuga Moorty Mandapam.

Next to the Navaratri Mandapam we find the south-facing Raja Gopuram. In the Shanmuga Moorthy Mandapam of this temple with a single prahara the utsavamoorthy gives darshan together with devas. In the western part of the prahara we find the Srines of Vinayagar, Dakshina Moorthy, Agasthiyar and Arunagirinathar and in the northern side we find the Srine of Chandikeshwarar and Bhairavar.

The Srine for Navagraha is located on the way to the Maha Mandapam in front of the sanctum sanctorum. In the Maha Mandapam Natarajar, Sivakami, Manika Vinayagar and Srinivasa Perumal with consort await to bless the devotees. On the outer walls of the garbhagraha we find inscriptions. Inside the sanctum sanctorum Lord Muruga showers blessings upon the devotees.

Theertham :

On the southern part of the foothill Saravana Poigai, the Sthala Theertham is located. It is also called Naga Theertham. A Naaga is fixed (Prathistai) at centre of the theertham. The Sthala Vriksham in this temple is Kasi Vilvam.

Moolavar :

The vision of the Lord inside the Garbhagraha is soul-stirring. The Lord is in the form of Arumugan, six-faced and with twelve hands seated elegantly on the peacock facing east. The divine consorts Valli and Deivannai stand on either side. As the Sivachariyar offers camphor the devotees can see the three faces at the back in the mirror which the other three can be viewed directly.

Method of Worship
The daily puja is performed six times a day and as per Kamika Agamam.

Festivals and Pujas
Taippucam, Pankuni Uttiram, Kanda Sasthi and Adikrittikai are the main festivals as in other Murugan temples.

Inscriptions
On the outside wall of the sanctum sanctorum, we find a few inscriptions. These contain certain information on the history of the temple.

Literature
Muthu Pazhani Kavirayar authored Viralimalai Kuravanchi. This Kuravanchi was staged regularly every year during festivals.

Websites :

http://murugan.org/viralima.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viralimalai

Chitharal Hill Temple

Name : Chitharal Hill Temple

Location :

Chitharal (also spelt Chidaral) is 55km from Kanyakumari, 36km from Nagercoil and 7km from Marthandam. The approach road is from Kandapuram, leading to Elanthavilas. Chitharal is located exactly 4km North East of Kuzhithurai. Cars and Vans can go upto the foot of the hill. One has to walk for about 10 minutes to reach the temple.

History :

The Jain influence in this region was due to the Jain Tamil King Mahendra Verman-I (610-640). These temples of Jain Deities'were considered to be built in 9th century AD.

Around the period of the decline of Jainism during the rule of the Cholas in the 11th Century, it is believed that Chandragupta Maurya, along with a Jain ascetic Badrabhahu, reached Sravanabelagola in 298 BC. Their disciples travelled to this region to spread Jainism and chose the hillock for meditation.

It was, however, converted into a Hindu temple in 1250A.D., and an image of Bhagavathy was installed and named, Thirucharanmalai, means `the hill holy to the charanas'.  But still the rockcut sculptures and statues of 23 Jain theerthangars including Mahaveerar are left undamaged and still maintained without any damages. It was once called Chokkanthoongi Hills and now as Malaikoil by locals.

Description :

Chitharal is historically known as Thirucharanathupalli – the abode of Jain monks belonging to Digambara sect. Hillock at Chitharal has a cave containing Rock-cut sculptures of Thirthankaras and attendent deities carved inside and outside. The sculptures are the main attraction in Chitharal. Also these sculptures are historically known as Thirucharanathupalli, and are situated inside the caves on a very long Hill.

At the foot of the Thirucharanmalai hillock, one can see a stylish Kerala Style Arch made of rocks and is the
starting point of your Trek. The atmosphere and the indications at the foot will not give you any indication of a  hard Climb ahead. So be prepared for a hard steep climb of a 800 meters.

It will be better, if you select a day with sun is not too sharp. All over the trekking time one can see several cement benches to sit, but the hottest sun will not allow you to sit on them. Colorful flowers and some trees with red and yellow flowers around these benches complets the picturesque.

From the top, one can see or enjoy the beauty of winding rivers, lakes, fields, clusters of villages, coconut fields, tall church spires, and the lines of Western Ghat covered with white clouds; and is a mind blowing scenery, which you won't get from anywhere.

Another main attraction at the top hill is two large rocks facing each other, and one can explore whole beauty of the foot through the small window created by these rocks. Also at the top hill, one can see some ruined or parts of ancient temples, which is believed to be of Charanas.

The whole rocky area is carved with Jain deities' images and is also a part of ancient era.

Stone Inscriptions :

There are 9 stone inscriptions in Tamil vattezheutthu, sanskrit and Malayalam dating back to 9th Century A.D. One of the stone inscriptions says that there was a Jain University at this place during 1st century BC. and Queen Kuratimarayar had donated wealth to the university. This inscription is found in Tamil Brahmi scriptures.

Festivals :
The Jain images have been preserved by Central Archeological Survey of India and they are making yearly  3day celebrations from 2009.
 
Nearby Attractions :

Thiruvattar Adikesava Perumal Temple
Thripparappu Waterfalls
Pechippara Dam

Websites :

http://www.vaikhari.org/chitharal.html


http://ta.wikipedia.org/wiki/சிதறால்_மலைக்_கோவில்

Thean Hou Temple

Name : Thean Hou Temple

Location :

The Thean Hou Temple is a landmark six-tiered Chinese temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It is located on a 1.67 acres (6,760 m²) of land atop Robson Heights along Lorong Bellamy, overlooking Jalan Syed Putra (Federal Highway).

Description :

The temple was completed in 1987 and officially opened in 1989. The property belongs to and is run by the Selangor & Federal Territory Hainan Association (Persatuan Hainan Selangor & Wilayah Persekutuan). The temple, built by the Hainanese community living in Kuala Lumpur, is dedicated to Goddess Tian Hou (The Heavenly Mother).

Architectural Features :

This syncretic temple with elements of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism is a grandiose structure and represents a successful combination of modern architectural techniques and authentic traditional design featuring imposing pillars, spectacular roofs, ornate carvings and intricate embellishments. Its grand architecture has made it a popular tourist destination.

The front entrance of the temple features a multi-arched gateway with red pillars, the colour symbolic of prosperity and good fortune. Souvenir stalls and a canteen are found on the 1st level. The 2nd level houses the multi-purpose hall while offices are located on the 3rd level. The 4th level has 3 tiers and the prayer hall is located here.

Joss sticks burner

External features :

In addition to her altar in the prayer hall, there is also a smaller statue of Guan Yin to the right of the hall, set amongst rocks and falling water. Here one can kneel and receive a blessing of water from the statue. Outside the temple at the entrance to the grounds, there is a larger statue, similarly set amongst rocks and falling water.

Other features include a Chinese Medicinal Herbs Garden, a Wishing Well as well as a Tortoise Pond.

Finally there is a large statue of the goddess opposite to the temple, along with a collection of other large statues that include representations of the twelve animals of Chinese astrology.

Religious and cultural activities :

Activities such as the grand birthday celebrations for Goddess Tian Hou, Goddess Kuan Yin and the Goddess of the Waterfront are conducted at Thean Hou. Buddhist activities include Dharma Prayers and Wesak Day celebrations. Cultural activities include the annual Mooncake Festival during the eighth lunar month and the Chinese New Year celebration.

Temple services :

The Thean Hou temple also offers fortune telling and marriage registration services.

Small fountain with the Goddess of Mercy dispensing water from her jar

Recreational Activities :

Traditional Chinese exercise and martial arts activities such as Qigong, t'ai chi and wushu classes are conducted at the Thean Hou temple.

Websites :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thean_Hou_Temple

Kovil Montagne, Mauritius

Name : Kovil Montagne (Sri Siva Subramanya Thirukovil)

Location :

Kovil Montagne is located on the Corps de Garde mountain in Quatre-Bornes, Mauritius

History :

The Murthi inside the shrine was first installed by Shri VelaMurugan, a pious devotee of Lord Muruga, who spent all his earnings in buying a plot of land on the mountain to build a shrine.  

The Siva Subramanya Thirukovil, dedicated to Lord Muruga, inspired and built around more than a century ago by an indentured labourer from India, has today become a pilgrimage site for Mauritian people of all creeds. The temple is managed by the Hindoo Tamulall Siva Soopramanien Benevolent Society, founded one century ago. The society also administrates the Mariamman Temple at Berthaud, Quatre Bornes since 1946.

The story of the Siva Subramanya Kovil(founded circa 1897), on the slopes of the Corps de Garde mountain starts with Velamurugan(1852- 1913), a humble and pious Indian immigrant, who landed on Mauritian shores in 1884. He was a typical example of a true ‘Bhaktan’ (Devotee) in search of the divine through the grace of Muruga.

In 1887, Velamurugan’s contract ends and he settles down in ‘La Louise’ Quatre Bornes, more precisely the locality of La Source. He buys a piece of land, half acre in size for Rs 30 on the slopes of the Corps de Garde mountain. The notary act is signed later in 1904 and is registered under the name ‘La Societe Religieuse Hindoue Seva Soopramanien’.

Rebuilding :

Today, after more than a century, the size of the yard of the Siva Subramanya Kovil is of 3 acres. Over the years, the temple started attracting more and more devotees and several miracles are said to have occurred.


At the onset of the year 2000, the society is preoccupied by erosion problems at the base of the Kovil. Experts are consulted in the view of finding adequate solutions to the problem. Following several recommendations and suggestions from the various experts consulted, the society decides to pull down the existing Kovil structure and build a new one.

On the 27th of May 2001, after the Sittirai Cavadee, the works started. Laying of the foundation stone was carried out on the 2nd July 2001 by the Swami Balasubramanya Sarma from the Hindu Maha Jana Sangham..

The new temple is rebuilt on the same site and the same Original Muruga statue has been installed at the same original spot. The Mahamandapam(the kovil hall) is enlarged and the space around the Kovil has been conceived for optimal use.

The new temple is a typical example of South Indian temple architecture. The Kovil has been built in strict consultation of the various scriptures(Shastras and Agamas) and texts related to Temple building and architecture.

Description :

The Temple has separate mandapams dedicated to dieties of Hindu religion. The website http://www.kovilmontagne.org/ gives a guided tour about the visit to the temple :

Ganesha Mandapam
A visit to the Siva Subramanya Thirukovil starts with worship at the Ganesha Mandapam under a banyan tree on the right side immediately after entering the Kovil yard. This small Ganesha shrine is very popular, with many people usually rushing in quickly before work or activities. It is particularly crowded during festival days. Recounts of the intensity of worshipping Lord Ganesha here are many.

Mariamman Mandapam
Leaving the Ganesha Shrine and moving into the inner yard, one finds several Mandapams starting with the Mariamman Mandapam on the far left. Mariamman worship is often synonymous with Murugan worship. Maybe because of the strong associations of these two deities with the Tamil Hindus or South Indian Hindus in general. The Mariamman shrine also serves as a place where devotees gather before staring a procession during the Theemeedhi at the Mariamman temple at Berthaud.

Krishna Mandapam
Moving from the Mariamman shrine, we find a Mandapam dedicated to Krishna. During the month of ‘Purattasi’ (Sept-Oct), the ‘Govinden’ festival is celebrated on each Saturday at this shrine; culminating in a spectacular whole night prayer on the last Saturday.

Hanuman Mandapam
Next to the Krishna shrine is a big statue of Hanuman or Anjaneya- the famous god from the Ramayana.

Idumban Mandapam
Idumban is said to be the closest devotee of Muruga. Belonging to the Asura race, Idumban was asked by sage Agastya to bring to him two mountains by name Sivagiri and Shaktigiri. As an obedient student, Idumban immediately set out for the task. He took a gigantic rod, tied two hanging supports to each end and placed one mountain on each. As he was about to lift them, he noticed that they had become terribly heavy and he was unable to lift the support- not even by an inch. He tried and tried in vain just before realizing that Lord Muruga was standing on the hills. In huge humility he bowed at the feet of the lord. Idumban is said to be the first one to have carried the Cavadee. Thus there is nothing surprising about the fact that an Idumban shrine is found just where the stairs leading to the Kovil start. All devotees pay their respects and worship at the shrine before climbing the stairs.

Munishwaran Mandapam
While climbing the stairs towards the Kovil, we can find a Munishwara Mandapam on the left. The big statue is commanding and true to the deity. Munishwaran is the god who protects the compound. Munishwaran worship dates back to very ancient times.

Siva Subramanya Sannidhi
Finally, at the top we reach the Kovil- the Siva Subramanya Shrine.

Festivals :

The main festival of the temple is the Sittrai Cavadee. Falling in April/May on the Chitra Pownami day. It is the first temple to have celebrated this festival in Mauritius and as such is known 'Kavadi Montagne' around the island. The festival attracts a large crowd during the ten day prayers. Other festivals celebrated are, Thaipusam Cavadee, Panguni Uttiram, Maha Shivaratree, Skanda Shasti, Ganesh Chaturthi, Anna Abhiskekam, Kartigai Deepam and monthly celebrations such as Kartikai and so on.

Daily Prayer Timings :

Morning Prayers : Paal Abishekam and Pujai 05:30 to 06:30

Evening Prayers : Pujai 17:30 except for Tuesdays at 16:30

Sunday Morning  : Special Abishekam 08:00 followed by special prayer  from 08:30 to 09:00

Monthly Kartigai : From 18:00 to 19:30

Websites :

http://www.kovilmontagne.org/

http://www.kaumaram.com/aalayam/index_mru_1385.html

http://mauritiusphotography.blog.com/siva-subramanya-temple-on-corps-de-garde-mountain/

Gergeti Trinity Church (Tsminda Sameba)

Name : Gergeti Trinity Church

Location :

Gergeti Trinity Church (Georgian: წმინდა სამება - Tsminda Sameba) is a popular name for Holy Trinity Church near the village of Gergeti in the Georgia. The church is situated on the right bank of the river Chkheri (the left tributary of the river Terek), at an elevation of 2170 meters, under Mount Kazbegi.

Description :

The Gergeti Trinity Church was built in the 14th century, and is the only cross-cupola church in Khevi province. The separate belltower dates from the same period as the church itself. Its isolated location on top of a steep mountain surrounded by the vastness of nature has made it a symbol for Georgia. The 18th century Georgian author Vakhushti Batonishvili wrote that in times of danger, precious relics from Mtskheta, including Saint Nino's Cross were brought here for safekeeping. During the Soviet era, all religious services were prohibited, but the church remained a popular tourist destination. The church is now an active establishment of the Georgian Orthodox and Apostolic Church

The church is a popular waypoint for trekkers in the area, and can be reached by a steep 3 hour climb up the mountain, or around 30 minutes by jeep up a rough mountain trail.

Website :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gergeti_Trinity_Church

Bagrati Cathedral

Name : Bagrati Cathedral

Location :

The Cathedral of the Dormition, or the Kutaisi Cathedral, more commonly known as Bagrati Cathedral is the 11th-century cathedral church in the city of Kutaisi, the region of Imereti, Georgia.


Decsription :

The Bagrati cathedral, now in ruins, is regarded as a masterpiece in the history of medieval Georgian architecture.

A distinct landmark in the scenery of central Kutaisi, the cathedral rests upon the top of Uk’imerioni Hill. It was built in the early years of the 11th century, during the reign of King Bagrat III due to which it was called “Bagrati” Cathedral, i.e., Bagrat’s cathedral. An inscription on the north wall reveals that the floor was laid in “chronicon 223″, i.e., 1003. In 1692, it was devastated in an explosion by the Ottoman troops, which had invaded the Kingdom of Imereti. The incident caused the cupola and ceiling to collapse leaving the cathedral in its present state.

The conservation and restoration works, as well as archaeological studies, which began in 1952, are still underway. In 1994, the Bagrati Cathedral, together with the Gelati Monastery, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list as a single entity. In 2001, the cathedral was restored to the Georgian Orthodox Church. It is now of limited use for worship services, but attracts many pilgrims and tourists. It is also frequently used as a symbol of the whole city of Kutaisi, being one of its main tourist attractions..

Websites :

http://tushetiland.ge/?cat=23&paged=2