Saturday, March 5, 2011

Singiri Koil at Vellore



Name : Singiri Koil

Location :

It situated at a distance of about 25 km from Vellore and is off the main road from Vellore to Polur.

Description :

It is an exclusive shrine for Lord Lakshmi Narasimha and is believed to be at least 1,000 years old. This 10th century shrine is said to have been built by the local chieftain, Rajavarman, at the behest of Lord Narasimha, who appeared in his dream. The temple is on a small hillock, which is nearly 80 to 90 feet high and can be reached after climbing about 50 steps. As per the inscriptions around the sanctum sanctorum, this is a 1300 years old temple built during Pallava Rayar period by the King Nandhi Varman.



A tiny river flowing in front of the temple and we have to cross the river by foot.
the temple will be closed if the river flows in full stream and this happens for about a week in a year.



The main idol in the sanctum sanctorum is that of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha. The Lord is seen in a sitting posture with four hands — two hands hold the conch and the discus, His third (left) hand is on his lap and fourth (right) hand is around the waist of Goddess Lakshmi. The image of the Lord is nearly six feet in height.
The Lord with Goddess Lakshmi seated on his right lap is a unique spectacle. This inimitable posture of the Lord and the Goddess is the main attraction of the Temple.



There is a separate shrine for Sri Anjaneya, who is known here as Sri Bala Anjaneya. The idol is one foot high. Bala Anjaneya, who appears like a small child is believed to bestow the boon of parenthood to the childless. The temple also has a separate shrine for Sri Garuda.

Festivals :

Narasimha Jayanthi, Vaikunda Ekadesi, Ratha Sapthami, Tamil and English New Year and Purattasi Saturdays are celebrated at this temple at Singri.

Thirumanjanam is performed on every Swathi Nakshatram, which is the birth star of Narasimha.

Websites :

http://shanthiraju.wordpress.com/page/20/

http://www.vellorecity.com/srilakshminarasimhaswamytemple.asp

https://picasaweb.google.com/Rajtha/Singirikoil#

Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple at Polur



Name : Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple

Location :

This temple is located at Polur. Polur is situated on the state highway between Tiruvannamalai and Vellore district. It is about 33 Kms from the former and 48 Kms from the latter and 55 Kms from Vandavasi.

Legend :

1. Lord Narasimhar invited two brothers namely kolasthiyar Rushi and Pulasthiyar Rushis to this temple. These two rushis were ardent devotees of Lord Narasimhar. These two sages did penance to lord Narasimhar and the lord was impressed by their devotions. Impressed by their bakthi, lord gave them a mango. A fight broke up between the two brothers as who would take the mango. In the spur of the moment, Pulasthiya rushi chopped his younger brother Kolasthiyar’s hands. Even after losing both hands Sage Kolasthiyar continued to worship the lord with great devotion. He took bath at ''seyyar'' (3kms from polur) for 48 days (i.e. 3 mandalams) and circled the SampathGiri. After 48th day, Kolasthiyar's hands reappeared magically! This not only surprised the sage, but also others present. It was Lord's plan that Ustavmurthy should be installed by Kolasthiyar rushi. Lord came in Kolasthiyar rushi's dream and gave direction as where the uthsava murthy was. It was in a place called Karapoondi in seyar. The sage went to look for the utsavamurthy with the direction given by the lord. He found the uthsava Murthy and established a temple i.e. down the hill.

2. A group of workers were breaking down stones on a hill called Sampath Giri  in Polur village in Thiruvanamalai dist. of Tamil Nadu. Workers were busy doing their job. One of the workers sphear hit a rock, and for everyone’s shock it started bleeding. They were frightened and left for the day. One the same night, Lord Narasimhar showed in one of the devotees dream. Lord Narasimhar said that he has come one his own to sampathgiri as shantha Murty. Next day, the devotee informed this to the villagers. All villagers came to see the idol. They were all shocked to see the lord bleed. All the villagers came together and built a Maha Mantapam for the lord Narasimhar. They worshiped the lord with great bakthi and shraddha. A temple was built atop of the hill for lord Narasimhar. Later people installed Lakshmi- the consort of Lord Narasimhar.

Description :

The hill is called Sampathgiri and the main deity is the Swayambu Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy facing south towards Thiruvannamalai along with Kanagavalli Thayar. Sage Pulathia Brahma worshipped here. Achutha Thasar, Sri Gnanananda Swamigal and Siddhar Vittoba had meditated in caves here. 2 water streams (sunais) are present. There is an Anjaneyar shrine at the base of the hill and there are 840 steps to climb.



There is a cave here called ''Annai Guha'' this cave was used by many spiritual leaders like vittobha, Hari das to meditate. There are two tanks here. One in the top of the hill called Bramha theertham and the other at the bottom called Punasthiyar Theertham. There are two vultures that fly around the hill and people believe that they are the two brothers Kulasthiyar and Pourshtriyar. The hill which is opposite to Sampatha Giri is called Sapthagiri and it is believed that the 7 sages still reside in this mountain. This temple is completely built by devotees after lord showed up in their dreams. This place is very powerful and all the prayers are answered in no time. The temple festival is celebrated according to Kamakshi temple of Kanchi.




Temple Timings:

The temple is currently served by a single priest called Sekhar Bhattachariar who also looks after a small Perumal temple below. He goes atop the hill at 4:30 AM and returns back by 8:30 AM. A Chowkidar remains on the hillock opening the temple for visitors who come later. The priest also visits the hill atop temple in the evenings.

Website :

http://shanthiraju.wordpress.com/thiruvannamalai/

https://picasaweb.google.com/Rajtha/Polur?feat=email#

Kanagagreeswarar Temples at Devikapuram



Name : Kanagagreeswarar Temples at Devikapuram

Location :

This temple is near Arulmigu Periyanayagi Amman at Devikapuram which is located at 40 km from Vandavasi, 40 km from Thiruvannamalai, 37 km from Arani in the Vandavasi – Chetput- Polur (Thiruvannamalai) route.

Description :

The Kanagagreeswarar Temple is located on top of a small hill called Kanagachalam or Ponnmalai and the Periyanayagi amman temple, the more popular one is located at the base of the hill in the center of the town. These temples date back to 15th Century Vijayanagara Period.

In the Kanagagreeswarar temple there are three lingams in the sanctum sanctorum. One is a Swayambu lingam called Kanagagreeswarar and another one is an ancient Kasi Viswanathar lingam worshipped by Periyanayahi amman. Since there should not be two lingams, another lingam made of Rudraksha has also been installed in the wall behind the Kanagagreeswarar.

Arunagirinathar sang verses on Lord Muruga of Kanagagreeswarar temple in Thiruppugazh. At 8AM everyday, there is an abhisheham for Kanagagreeswarar with ghee and hot water and so it is better to go in the morning so that you can visit both the temples.

The sanctum sanctorum houses 3 lingams – one Kasi Viswanathar installed and worshipped by Parvathi Devi, another Swayambu lingam and the third one made of Rudhrakshas (since two lingams should not be there).

Websites :

http://shanthiraju.wordpress.com/2008/04/28/devikapuram/

Injimedu Periyamalai Shiva Temple




Name : Injimedu Periyamalai Shiva Temple

Location :

The temple is situated with 50 Km radius of world famous temples such as Kanchipuram, Melmaruvathur, Vellore are Thiruvannamalai.

Transport Facilities :
2 Buses of Tamil Nadu from Bangalore-475 (6 PM) 476 (9.30 PM)-
From Temple Bus No.475 (7.30 AM), - 476 (10.30 AM)
Saraswathi Ramadas Mini Bus between Pernamallur & Chetpet via temple 6 trips a day in every two hours
There are other Government and private buses every 2 hours in the main road near the temple

Legend :

1) Once there was an ego battle between Brahma and Vishnu, they set off to reach the top and bottom of Shiva as a competition. During that time Thazamboo (Lavender tree flower) gave a false witness to Shiva that Brahma had reached the top of Shiva. Knowing this, Shiva cursed Thazampoo that it should not be used in any Shiva pooja. In order to get rid of the curse, it stands here as the Sthala Vruksham. Nandhi’s footsteps are seen here.

2) Mythology has it that the wedding of Lord Shiva with Parvathi was performed at Mount Kailash, the eternal and ethereal abode of Lord Shiva. All the Devas, Rishis, Saints, along with Lord Vishnu, Brahma and their consorts assembled to witness the marriage. The northern part Himalayan Mountain, sunk in whereas the Southern part has gone up. So to make it balance, As desired by Lord Shiva, Agastya Risha stood on top of the Mount and hence the Mount sub-merged into the earth. Rishi Agastya witnessed the marriage of Lord Shiva with Parvathi from the top of this Mount. Therefore the prayers of the devotees for their marriages are getting fulfilled.

3) NANDI, became ‘Vaahana’ of Shiva :

Nandi, son of saint Siladara performed penance seeking blessings and acceptance of Lord Shiva. It is from this Holy Hill Periyamalai that Lord Shiva blessed Nandi to be His Vehicle, for the first time. Since then, this Hill is venerated and worshipped by the Saints and Devatas as a sacred place.

Worshipping Lord Nandeeshwara of this temple is regarded as very sacred as He grants the prayers. The village was called “Nandipuravinnagaram” (Sky high village, Nandipuram) as Periyamalai was very tall once upon a time.

4) Amavasya Thithi

Rishi Siladara performed penance. Lord Shiva appeared before the saint, and asked him what boon he wants. Rishi requested Lord to attain Mukthi along with the mortal body (sthula sarira) Lord granted his prayer. Joyfully when saint was traversing in the sky, Rishi Narada intercepted and enlightened the Rishi that he cannot enter the heaven with his mortal body. There is a inner secret of his birth. He has to return to earth to commence the Amavasya Thithi to redeem the bondaged soul from their sins. Thus the Rishi started the Amavasya (offering prayers to departed souls) by wearing the Holy Grass Minji. This word Minji has become Inji and now it is the name of the village itself i.e. INJIMEDU.

5) Anointment of Herbal Shivalinga

Saint Devadootha prayed Lord Shiva for many years. Lord appeared before him and granted his prayer. Hence Saint Devadootha anointed the Shivalinga in ancient times on top of the Mountain. The Linga was made out of herbal plants.

6) Ganga

Lord Shiva created a Holy Ganga on top of the mountain as the Rishis prayed for water for their use. This Holy spring is perennial and is very sweet and cures many diseases.

Description :

This ancient temple is considered to be more than 2500 Years old as per the available historical accounts. Mythologicaly it is associated with krythayuga. Lord Shiva is in the form of lingam and is named as THIRUMANI CHERAI UDAYAR (highly decorative and attractive Shiva). The Goddess Parvati is named THIRUMANI NAYAGI (pleasant and blissful). This Shivalinga is 5 feet 6 inches tall atop the hill. Shivalinga is very elegant, attractive and vibrant. From any account, this is the tallest Shivalinga atop a Hill in India. This Temple is regarded as an abode of eternity (Mukthi) (Moksha) & also southern kailash.

This small 200ft high hillock top temple has about 51 covered steps. So rain or sun will not affect the devotees. This is a 2500 years old temple which got ransacked about 700 years ago by various invasions. The Thirumanicherai Shiva lingam which was left alone without any pooja/ worship for nearly 700 years, finally got a facelift and the Kumbabhisheham took place in 1999. Sanghu theertham is present in the hill in the shape of Sanghu. It is said that there is a spacious cave here where Pampatti Chithar is living in the form of a snake.

There is a Holy spring which is perennial and is very sweet and cures many diseases.

Edicts :

An epigraph dating back to 1126 A.D. by Chola King Vikramadhitya atop the hillock describes the glory of Lord Shiva, the name of God, Village, Ruler and Sculptor.

Another astonishing rock edict echoes like the Buddha principle that if any one goes to the temple their desires would be quenched.

There are altogether 33 statues of different deities installed. There is a Dhyana Mantapa at the bottom. A cave and a Deepa Mantapa on top are adding beauty to the elegant temple.


Regular pooja timings :

Morning session – 7.30 am to 12.30 pm
Evening Session – 3.00 pm to 8.30 pm

Festivals :

Step pooja – 7 PM on 31st December to 7 PM on 1st January ( Padi Poojai )

Bi-monthly prothosha–4.30 pm to 7.30 pm

Pongal special pooja–14th to 18th January

Maha Shivaratri –6 am to 6 am

Vinayak Chathurthi –3 days - 4 pm to 7 pm

Websites :

http://injimedushivatemple.com/

http://shanthiraju.wordpress.com/thiruvannamalai/

Contact :

Arulmigu Thirumani Cherai Udayar Thirukkoil (Temple) Trust
Kaliyuga Sekkizhayar Shivayogi Perumal Swamiji (a) Sri I.R. Perumal. IAS (R)
INJIMEDU Village,                                                         
Vandavasi Taluk,                                                           
Thiruvannamalai 604 503.                                             

Temple Trustees :
Mr. Dulraj.G.     
Mob : 09092023790
Tele : 04183-245249
Mr. I.R.Kannan
Mob : 09444934495
Mr. Sankaran.P. P
Mob : 0944489059

Mr. K. Madan (Manager) 
Mob: 09362688465 / 09739301234
Email:periyamalai_shiva@yahoo.in
Mr. Pradeep Rajkumar.I.P.  (Temple secretary)
Tele contact : 080-2668 9947
Mob : 09845559770

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Jvari monastery, Georgia




Name : Jvari monastery. The name is translated as the Monastery of the Cross.

Location :

Jvari or Jvari Monastery (Georgian: ჯვარი, ჯვრის მონასტერი) is a Georgian Orthodox monastery of the 6th century near Mtskheta (World Heritage site), Mtskheta-Mtianeti region, eastern Georgia.

Description :

Jvari Monastery stands on the rocky mountain top at the confluence of the Mtkvari and Aragvi rivers, overlooking the village of Mtskheta, which was formerly the capital of the Kingdom of Iberia.

According to traditional accounts, on this location in the early 4th century Saint Nino, a female evangelist credited with converting King Mirian III of Iberia to Christianity, erected a large wooden cross on the site of a pagan temple. The cross was reportedly able to work miracles and therefore drew pilgrims from all over Caucasus. A small church was erected over the remnants of the wooden cross in c.545 named the “Small Church of Jvari”. As the name suggests there is a Big Wooden Cross inside the monastry.



The present building, or “Great Church of Jvari”, was built between 586 and 605 by Erismtavari Stepanoz I. The importance of Jvari complex increased over time and attracted many pilgrims. In the late Middle Ages, the complex was fortified by a stone wall and gate, remnants of which still survive. During the Soviet period, the structure was largely ignored, with access rendered difficult by tight security at a nearby military base. After the independence of Georgia, the building was restored to active religious use. Jvari was listed together with other monuments of Mtskheta in 1996 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

However, over the centuries the structures suffered damage from rain and wind erosion and inadequate maintenance. Jvari was listed in the 2004 World Monuments Watch list by the World Monuments Fund.

Architecture :

The Jvari church is a very early tetraconch (i.e. a four-apse domed building) structure. Between the apses there are three-quarter circular niches used as side chapels, which communicate with the central space. The transition from the square bay to the dome circle is effected through three rows of squinches. This design had a great impact on the further development of Georgian architecture and served as a model for many other churches not only in Georgia, but the whole region of South Caucasus.



Varied bas-relief sculptures with Hellenistic and Sasanian influences decorate its external façades, some of which are accompanied by explanatory inscriptions in old Georgian uncial script. The entrance’s tympanum on the southern façade, is adorned with a relief of the Glorification of the Cross, and the same façade also shows an Ascension of Christ. The church has an extra bell tower outside.



Websites :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jvari_(monastery)

http://www.traveladventures.org/continents/asia/jvarichurch06.shtml

Monday, February 14, 2011

Kotappa Konda (Trikutaparvatam)




Name : Kotappa Konda Also Known As Kondakavuru Or Trikutaparvatam

Location :

The temple is located on top of a hill. Original name of this village is Kondakavuru, but is more popularly known as "Kotappakonda" or "Trikutaparvatam" (three-peaked hill). The Kotappa Konda hill is 13-km From Narasaraopet, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh. It is 12 km from Narsarao Pet, 13 km from Chilakaluri Pet (on NH 5), 90 km from Vijayawada and 350 km from Hyderabad.

Legend :

At this sacred place, Lord Shiva, as "Dakshana Murthy" imparted the divine knowledge of "Brahma" to Lord Brahma and other Gods. Since Lord Shiva who converted himself as a twelve years boy observing strict celibacy and known as Dakshana Murthy, devotees do not perform any marriages at these hills.

There is yet another folklore of Salankayya of Yellamandavillage who was a great devotee of Lord Siva and eking out his livelibhood by selling firewood. With the result of undivided devotion to the Lingam at Rudra hills he became rich. One day while performing prayers he sawJangama Devara.

In appreciation of the devotion of Salankayya Jangama Devara daily used to visit his house and consume milk. After some time Jangama Devara disappeared. Salankayya searched for him in every nook and corner of the region and could not find him anywhere. In a fit of disappointment, Salankayya stopped taking any food and water. As the matter stood thus, there lived a cowherd called Sundudu with his wife Kundiri in South side ofTrikoota hills.

They had a beautiful daughter called Anandavalli. Her parents became rich soon after herbirth. Anandavalli was deeply devoted to Lord Siva and was not interested in her wordly life.She always spent her time in singing the glory of Lord Siva and used to offer prayers at old Koteswara hills she declined to change her way of life and commenced penance for Sri Koteswara Swamy. Pleased with her penance Jangama Devara appeared before her. She came to know Jangama Devara was, none other than a person, who used to take milk in the house of Salankayya. From then onwards she daily visited Rudra hills and after performing celestial bath offered milk and part-took the balance.

Salankayya came to know the presence of Jangama Devara and appraoched Anandavalle and requested her to see that Jangama Devara showers the blessings on him. Anandavalle could not concede the request of Salankayya as she was engaged in her deep penance. After some time, in the hot summer Anandavalle used to visit Rudra hills to perform prayers. One day she collected a pot of water for celestial bath and after keeping it at a safe place proceeded to procure “Maredu leaves”. Then, a crow came and sat on the pot, and with its weight the pot fell down throwing out the entire water. Anandavalle became furious and cursed, that no crow should enter the area. Then onwards and till now no crow appears on the Rudra hill.Jangama Devara pleased with her penance appeared and imparted her the divine knowledge. This had in no way deviated her concentration and she further prayed him as God and as well as her Guru.

Jangama Devara, commisserated at her penance and wished her to lead a wordly life. With his divine power he made her pregnant though she was a spinster. Unmindful of her pregnancy she carried her daily prayers as usual.Aghasted at her deep devotion Jangama Devara again appeared and told that she need not take so many troubles in performing poojas and promised her that he would come to her house where she could do her supplication and asked her to proceed without turning her back.

Anandavalle accordingly proceeded towards her home and Jangama Devara came down from Rudra mountain and followed her. After reaching Brahma hill, Anandavalle lost her patience and turned back. Immediately Jangama Devara reminded of her promise and stopped at Brahma hills and entered the cave of the hill and turned himself into a Lingam. The same sacred place is now called Kotha Koteswara Temple. Anandavalle also stayed there and, in the meanwhile, she delivered a boy. She repented of her action in seeing back inspite of caution given by Jangama Devara and decided to end her life. Within a moment of above thought, assailing her mind the newly born boy disappeared from the scene.

She then realised that her pregnancy and delivery of a boy were of the creation of Jangama Devara to test her reverence towards him. She felt very happy as she got through all the critical trails and became one in the God.



Description :

A Three Peaked Hill :
It has got a three-peaked hill nearby. The Kotappa Konda or hill is at a height of 1587ft. The three hills, also known by the names of "Trikutachalam" or "Trikutadri", can be distinctly seen from a distance from any direction. These three peaks are called Brahma, Vishnu and Rudra peaks.

Gods on the three peaks are known by different names Brahma Sikaramu (Trikoteswarudu) Rudra Sikaramu(Papa Koteswarudu) Vishnu Sikaramu (PapaVishnu Saneswarudu).

Sri Trikoteswara Swami Temple was in existence even before 1000 AD. A steep flight of steps leads to the hill at the height of 600ft, where the Temple of Sri Trikoteswara Swami is situated. The main deity is established in the shape of Shiva Linga known as 'Trikuteswara' or 'Trikoteswara'.



Other Attractions :

View Point:
A number of ponds are found on the hill of which eight are located in front of the temple. A "View Point" is erected on the corner of the hill to provide a breathtaking overall view of the surroundings. To enable the pilgrims take in and enjoy nature's bounty in its full splendour and also to accommodate the growing number of visitors a 'ghat' road was constructed.

Deer Park & Kaleeya Mardana:
A Deer Park is also developed on the way. A small lake called "Kaleeya Mardana" is created, with the statue of Lord Krishna dancing on the head of 'Kaleeya' (a venomous snake). It is placed with special lighting effects in the middle of the lake. An artificial Jurassic park with mobile dinosaurs of monstrous size is another attraction of this place.

The Sanctuary:
Another attraction for the tourists is the Sanctuaries for peacocks, doves, and parrots developed by the Forest Department.

Yaga Shala:
A meditation center called "Yaga Shala" is constructed on the lines of the Mount Abu, on the top of the hill and is exclusive used for conducting 'homam' (holy fire) with a sprawling dining hall.

On the anvil are a ropeway to provide a view of the various tourist spots and a museum to house the artefacts that were discovered in the excavations.

Festival :

Maha Shivaratri is the important festival celebrated here with great devotion and fervour. Kotappa Konda comes alive on this eve, which falls during February-March every year.



'Prabhas', rectangular frames tapering at the top made of bamboo and decorated with colored cloth and paper, of different sizes are taken in procession as part of the festival. Most of them are 60 to 70 feet high and are carried by the devotees. But the giant prabhas, rising to a height of over 100 feet, are carried on decorated and lighted bullock carts accompanied by a large following. They are placed on a meadow at the foot of the hill.

Website :

http://mynarasaraopet.com/kotappakonda/

http://www.indiainfoweb.com/andhra-pradesh/pilgrimage/kotappa-konda.html

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