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Tag: Shiva temples

  • Thiruvaiyaru temple

    Aiyarappar temple also known as Panchanadeeswarar temple is a unique temple surrounded by five rivers. Lord Shiva here is called Aiyarappar, meaning Lord of the five rivers. The Five Rivers are Arisilaaru, Vennaaru, Vettaaru, Kudamuruttiyaaru and Kaaviriyaaru. The goddess here is known as Dharmasamvardhini.

    There are several inscriptions in the temple that affiliates it to the Cholas, Pandyas and other rulers. Karikala Chola, Rajaraja the great, Jatavarman Sundara Pandyan and Krishna Devarayar are associated with Thiruvaiyaru. The temple has two distinct divisions called ‘Uttarakailasam’ and ‘Dakshinakailasam’. Uttarakailasam was built by Rajaraja Cholan’s queen in the late 10th century who also made several endowments . Dakshinakailasam was renovated by Rajendra Cholan’s queen.

    Appar, one of the important Nayanmar, was blessed with Thiru Kayilaya Dharisanam in this very temple. Therefore, the saint was closely associated with this shrine and dedicated songs in ‘Thevaram’ to this temple. Thereby, making this temple one of the paadal petra sthalam.

    Thiruvaiyaru is more renowned for its association with Saint Thyagaraja, who, along with Muthuswami Dikshitar and Shyama Sastri, comprised the Trinity of Carnatic music.

    Lord Shiva in the temple is a swayambumurthi. Thiruvaiyaru is considered as holy as Varanasi and is therefore called Dakshina Varanasi. Bathing in the Cauvery here is believed to rid devotees of sins like bathing in the Ganges.

    Legend says this is the place where Lord Panchanatheeswara of Thiruvaiyaru planned the marriage between Nandhi devar and Swayasambihai in this place and conducted the ceremony in an auspicious place nearby on the Punarpoosa day of the tamil month Panguni. In a gesture to celebrate the same, the saptha sthana festival is conducted every year in the month of april.

  • A rare sight of square shaped Lingam in Chennai

    Sri Karaneeswarar is one among the seven must see Shiva temples around Mylapore. Sage Agasthiya, one among the Saptha Rishis, is said to have worshiped this temple. This temple is considered one of the first among the seven Saptha Sthana Shiva Temples.

    As per the legend, there used to be a young Brahmin in Mylapore who used to perform poojas to Shiv Linga. Through his penance, the young Brahmin found out that Lord Shiva was the cause of creation, protection and destruction of this universe. Thereafter, the Shiv Linga is called as Karaneeswara. "karanam" means reason in Tamil language, therefore Karaneeswara means "one who causes".

    The main deities of the temples are Karaneeswara and Porkodi Amman, also known as Sorna Lalithambigai. Both the deities are found in two separate shrines. The temple has a small tower and as per the tradition followed in all old South Indian temples, this temple also has bali peeth, flag staff and Nandi idol facing the main shrine.

    The history of this temple dates back to 12th Century. From the inscriptions Chola king, Vikrama Chola was attributed with the construction of this temple. Many inscriptions found in the temple are missing because of renovation and repainting. It is believed that Sage Vasishta worshiped Sri Karaneeswarar at Mylapore. It is quite an ancient temple with 5 tier gopuram facing east.

    However there are some who argue that the original structure was built in 17th century. But the current structure is very recent due to renovation.

    The Shiva linga here is square shaped. The same can be seen only in Thirukkadaiyur and Kalahasthi. Vinayagar and Murugan have their seperate shrines where thay appear along with their spouses.