Friday Temple Visit - Week # 101
3rd February 2023
வாரம் ஒரு கோவில் தரிசனம்
by S. Subramaniam
Sri Thirumeni Azhagar Temple at Thiruvettakudy, Karaikal, Near Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu.
Location:
Sri Thirumeni Azhagar Temple, a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located in village Thiruvettakudy close to the shores of the Bay of Bengal. It's about 10 Kms from Karaikal and 8 Kms Kms from Tharangambadi (also known as Tranquebar) . River Nandalar flows to the North of the temple.
Uniqueness
This is perhaps the only temple where Lord Shiva and Lord Subramanya can seen holding bow and arrow as the weapon.
Lord Shiva is worshiped in this temple both in the form as a hunter (Legend relating to Arjuna) and as a fisherman (Legend relating to Devi Parvati).
Lord Shiva (Sundareswarar), Devi Parvati (Soundara Nayaki) and Lord Ganesha (Sundara Vinayaka) all carry the word Sundara (beauty) in their names
Salient Features.
The name of the presiding deity of the temple is Thirumeni Azhagar or Sundareswarar. Devi Parvati is known by the name Soundara Nayaki. The Sthala vriksham (sacred tree) of the temple is the Punnai (Laurel) tree and the three Sthala theerthams (Holy waters) of the temple are Deva Theertham, Chandra Pushkarini and the sea (Bay of Bengal).
Name of the place and the Lord
The name of the Place (sthalam) Thiru Vetta Kudi derives it's origin from the Tamil word vettai / vedan which stand for hunting / hunter. In ancient times the place was known as
Poongavanam, Devakodipuram and Ambikapuram (Ambika - Devi Parvati performed penance as a fisherwoman at this place).
History
No authentic information is readily available about the period or by whom the temple was constructed. However, from the hymns (pathigams) composed by Thiru Gnana Sambandhar, inference can be drawn that the temple was in existence during the 7th Century CE.
There are records of the temple getting grants from the Chozha Queen Sembian Madevi and her son Uttama Chozhan (970-985 CE), uncle and predecessor of the great Raja Raja Chozhan.
Legends
Legend relating to Devi Parvati
The Legend has it that once Lord Shiva was explaining the essence of Veda mantras to Devi Parvati who, for a brief period, lost concentration. Angered at this, the Lord cursed Devi to be born as an illiterate fisher woman. Annoyed at their mother being cursed, Vinayaka and Muruga threw the Vedas into the sea and Shiva directed Nandi to fetch them back. Nandi Deva took the form of a shark and dived into the sea to look for the Vedas.
Devi, who was born in a fisherman community, did severe penance on the Lord at this temple. Meanwhile Nandi Deva, born as a shark, starts terrorizing the local fishing community. The chief of the fishing community announces that whoever is able to control / kill the shark will be eligible to marry his daughter (Devi Parvati).
Lord Shiva appears in disguise as a fisherman, controls the shark, reveals his identity and unites with Devi and Nandi. The story, one of the 64 Thiru Vilayadal (Playful acts of Lord Shiva) known as Valai Veesiya Padalam, is enacted every year at this temple during tha annual Brahmostavam.
Legend relating to Arjuna
The Pandava brother Arjuna is believed to have worshiped / did penance on Lord Shiva to seek as boon the divine weapon Pasupata Astra and the Lord is believed to have granted him the Astra at this temple, after a brief tussle by shooting an arrow faster that Arjuna to kill a pig.
The Lord is believed to have granted darshan to Arjuna along with Devi Parvati and Muruga, both the father and son appearing as hunters holding bow and arrow.
Legend relating to Thiru Gnana Sambandhar
It is believed that when Saint Thirugnanasambanthar came to this place by sea. He found Shiva Lingam in each and every particle of sand. Hence, he did not want to step foot on the sand and disrupt its sanctity. He worshiped the Lord and rendered his hymn from the sea itself.
Aiyadigal Kadavar Kon Nayanar
The famous Pallava king Simha Vishnu (556-590 CE), father of king Mahendra Pallavan, denounced his royal affiliations and took to spiritualism and made some valuable contributions to Tamil literature. In his later days he was known as Aiyadigal Kadavar Kon, one of the Nayanmars, who worshiped Lord Shiva at this temple, as per the records available.
Annual procession:
The Annual Procession of the temple is an elaborate one and is very famous. It includes the idols of Lord Shiva (as Sri Veda Murthy - the prefix Veda(n) in Tamil stands for hunter), Devi Parvati, Lord Muruga and Arjuna.
It is also believed the Lord had also indicated to Arjuna that he too would be born as a hunter in one of his rebirths, worship him and obtain salvation. The story of Kannappa Nayanar is associated with Arjuna's rebirth.
The Temple
The temple is east facing with a huge five tier Rajagopuram. Beautiful stucco images are on the Rajagopuram. An attractive arch is on the Main road.
Other deities of the Temple
Other than the shrines of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy, shrines and idols of Lords Sundara Vinayakar, (it may be noted that Sundara Vinayaka is also known as Sthala Vinayaka in this temple) Muruga with his consorts, Nataraja, Dakshinamurthy, Mahalakshmi, Durga, Chandikeswara, Navagraham, Nalvar, Bairavar, Aiyappa with his consorts Poorana and Pushkala can be seen in the corridors.
Literary Mentions:
Thirugnanasambandar and Vallalar have sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. In Periyapuranam, Sekkizhar records that Thirugnanasambandar came to this temple after worshiping Lord Shiva of Thirupariyalur. The Sthala Puranam of the temple includes a famous hymn on the Devi of the temple Sangu Valai Karathalai (சங்குவளைக் கரத்தாளை).
Contact
Sri Thirumeniyazhakar Temple,
Thiruvettakudi,
Near Karaikkal,
Puducherry - 609 609.
Tele: +91- 4368 - 265 693, 265 691, 98940 51753.
Friday Temple Visit - Week # 101
3rd February 2023
வாரம் ஒரு கோவில் தரிசனம்
by S. Subramaniam
Sri Thirumeni Azhagar Temple at Thiruvettakudy, Karaikal, Near Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu.
Location:
Sri Thirumeni Azhagar Temple, a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is located in village Thiruvettakudy close to the shores of the Bay of Bengal. It's about 10 Kms from Karaikal and 8 Kms Kms from Tharangambadi also known as Tranquebar. River Nandalar flows to the North of the temple.
Uniqueness
This is perhaps the only temple where Lord Shiva and Lord Subramanya can seen holding bow and arrow as the weapon.
Lord Shiva is worshiped in this temple both in the form as a hunter (Legend relating to Arjuna) and as a fisherman (Legend relating to Devi Parvati).
Lord Shiva (Sundareswarar), Devi Parvati (Soundara Nayaki) and Lord Ganesha (Sundara Vinayaka) all carry the word Sundara (beauty) in their names
Salient Features.
The name of the presiding deity of the temple is Thirumeni Azhagar or Sundareswarar. Devi Parvati is known by the name Soundara Nayaki. The Sthala vriksham (sacred tree) of the temple is the Punnai (Laurel) tree and the three Sthala theerthams (Holy waters) of the temple are Deva Theertham, Chandra Pushkarini and the sea (Bay of Bengal).
Name of the place and the Lord
The name of the Place (sthalam) Thiru Vetta Kudi derives it's origin from the Tamil word vettai / vedan which stand for hunting / hunter. In ancient times the place was known as
Poongavanam, Devakodipuram and Ambikapuram (Ambika - Devi Parvati performed penance as a fisherwoman at this place).
History
No authentic information is readily available about the period or by whom the temple was constructed. However, from the hymns (pathigams) composed by Thiru Gnana Sambandhar, inference can be drawn that the temple was in existence during the 7th Century CE.
There are records of the temple getting grants from the Chozha Queen Sembian Madevi and her son Uttama Chozhan (970-985 CE), uncle and predecessor of the great Raja Raja Chozhan.
Legends
Legend relating to Devi Parvati
The Legend has it that once Lord Shiva was explaining the essence of Veda mantras Devi Parvati who, for a brief period, lost concentration. Angered at this, the Lord cursed Devi to be born as an illiterate fisher woman. Lord Vinayaka and Muruga then threw the Vedas into the sea and Shiva directed Nandi to fetch them back. He took the form of a shark and dived into the sea to look for the Vedas.
Devi, who was born in a fisherman community, did severe penance on the Lord at this temple. Meanwhile Nandi Deva, born as a shark, starts terrorizing the fishing community. The chief of the fishing community announces that whoever is able to control / kill the shark will be eligy to marry his daughter (Devi Parvati).
Lord appears in disguise as a fisherman, controls the shark, reveals his identity and unites with Devi and Nandi. The story, one of the 64 Thiru Vilayadal (Playful acts of Lord Shiva) known as Valai Veesiya Padalam, is enacted every year at this temple during tha annual Brahmostavam
Legend relating to Arjuna
The Pandava brother Arjuna is believed to have worshiped / did penance on him to seek as boon the divine weapon Pasupata Astra and the Lord is believed to have granted him the Astra at this temple, after a brief tussle by shooting an arrow faster that Arjuna to kill a pig.
The Lord is believed to have granted darshan to Arjuna along with Devi Parvati and Muruga, both the father and son appearing as hunters holding bow and arrow.
Legend relating to Thiru Gnana Sambandhar
It is believed that when Saint Thirugnanasambanthar came to this place by sea. He found Shiva Lingam in each and every particle of sand. Hence, he did not want to step foot on the sand and disrupt its sanctity. He worshiped the Lord and rendered his hymn from the sea itself.
Aiyadigal Kadavar Kon Nayanar
The famous Pallava king Simha Vishnu (556-590 CE), father of king Mahendra Pallavan, denounced his royal affiliations and took to spiritualism and made some valuable contributions to Tamil literature. In his later days he was known as Aiyadigal Kadavar Kon, one of the Nayanmars, who worshiped Lord Shiva at this temple, as per the records available.
Annual procession:
The Annual Procession of the temple is an elaborate one and is very famous. It includes the idols of Lord Shiva (as Sri Veda Murthy - the prefix Veda(n) in Tamil stands for hunter), Devi Parvati, Lord Muruga and Arjuna.
It is also believed the Lord had also indicated to Arjuna that he too would be born as a hunter in one of his rebirths, worship him and get salvation. The story of Kannappa Nayanar is associated with Arjuna's rebirth.
The Temple
The temple is east facing with a huge five tier Rajagopuram. Beautiful stucco images are on the Rajagopuram. An attractive arch is on the Main road.
Other deities of the Temple
Other than the shrines of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy, shrines and idols of Lords Sundara Vinayakar, (it may be noted that Sundara Vinayaka is also known as Sthala Vinayaka in this temple) Muruga with his consorts, Nataraja, Dakshinamurthy, Mahalakshmi, Durga, Chandikeswara, Navagraham, Nalvar, Bairavar, Aiyappa with his consorts Poorana and Pushkalai can be seen in the corridors.
Literary Mentions:
Thirugnanasambandar and Vallalar have sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. In Periyapuranam, Sekkizhar records that Thirugnanasambandar came to this temple after worshiping Lord Shiva of Thirupariyalur. The Sthala Puranam of the temple includes a famous hymn on the Devi of the temple Sangu Valai Karathalai (சங்குவளைக் கரத்தாளை).
Contact
Sri Thirumeniyazhakar Temple,
Thiruvettakudi,
Near Karaikkal,
Puducherry - 609 609.
Tele: +91- 4368 - 265 693, 265 691, 98940 51753.
Friday Temple Visit - Week # 101
3rd February 2023
வாரம் ஒரு கோவில் தரிசனம்
by S. Subramaniam
Sri Thirumeni Azhagar Temple at Thiruvettakudy, Karaikal, Near Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu.
Location:
Sri Thirumeni Azhagar Temple, a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is located in village Thiruvettakudy close to the shores of the Bay of Bengal. It's about 10 Kms from Karaikal and 8 Kms Kms from Tharangambadi also known as Tranquebar. River Nandalar flows to the North of the temple.
Uniqueness
This is perhaps the only temple where Lord Shiva and Lord Subramanya can seen holding bow and arrow as the weapon.
Lord Shiva is worshiped in this temple both in the form as a hunter (Legend relating to Arjuna) and as a fisherman (Legend relating to Devi Parvati).
Lord Shiva (Sundareswarar), Devi Parvati (Soundara Nayaki) and Lord Ganesha (Sundara Vinayaka) all carry the word Sundara (beauty) in their names
Salient Features.
The name of the presiding deity of the temple is Thirumeni Azhagar or Sundareswarar. Devi Parvati is known by the name Soundara Nayaki. The Sthala vriksham (sacred tree) of the temple is the Punnai (Laurel) tree and the three Sthala theerthams (Holy waters) of the temple are Deva Theertham, Chandra Pushkarini and the sea (Bay of Bengal).
Name of the place and the Lord
The name of the Place (sthalam) Thiru Vetta Kudi derives it's origin from the Tamil word vettai / vedan which stand for hunting / hunter. In ancient times the place was known as
Poongavanam, Devakodipuram and Ambikapuram (Ambika - Devi Parvati performed penance as a fisherwoman at this place).
History
No authentic information is readily available about the period or by whom the temple was constructed. However, from the hymns (pathigams) composed by Thiru Gnana Sambandhar, inference can be drawn that the temple was in existence during the 7th Century CE.
There are records of the temple getting grants from the Chozha Queen Sembian Madevi and her son Uttama Chozhan (970-985 CE), uncle and predecessor of the great Raja Raja Chozhan.
Legends
Legend relating to Devi Parvati
The Legend has it that once Lord Shiva was explaining the essence of Veda mantras Devi Parvati who, for a brief period, lost concentration. Angered at this, the Lord cursed Devi to be born as an illiterate fisher woman. Lord Vinayaka and Muruga then threw the Vedas into the sea and Shiva directed Nandi to fetch them back. He took the form of a shark and dived into the sea to look for the Vedas.
Devi, who was born in a fisherman community, did severe penance on the Lord at this temple. Meanwhile Nandi Deva, born as a shark, starts terrorizing the fishing community. The chief of the fishing community announces that whoever is able to control / kill the shark will be eligy to marry his daughter (Devi Parvati).
Lord appears in disguise as a fisherman, controls the shark, reveals his identity and unites with Devi and Nandi. The story, one of the 64 Thiru Vilayadal (Playful acts of Lord Shiva) known as Valai Veesiya Padalam, is enacted every year at this temple during tha annual Brahmostavam
Legend relating to Arjuna
The Pandava brother Arjuna is believed to have worshiped / did penance on him to seek as boon the divine weapon Pasupata Astra and the Lord is believed to have granted him the Astra at this temple, after a brief tussle by shooting an arrow faster that Arjuna to kill a pig.
The Lord is believed to have granted darshan to Arjuna along with Devi Parvati and Muruga, both the father and son appearing as hunters holding bow and arrow.
Legend relating to Thiru Gnana Sambandhar
It is believed that when Saint Thirugnanasambanthar came to this place by sea. He found Shiva Lingam in each and every particle of sand. Hence, he did not want to step foot on the sand and disrupt its sanctity. He worshiped the Lord and rendered his hymn from the sea itself.
Aiyadigal Kadavar Kon Nayanar
The famous Pallava king Simha Vishnu (556-590 CE), father of king Mahendra Pallavan, denounced his royal affiliations and took to spiritualism and made some valuable contributions to Tamil literature. In his later days he was known as Aiyadigal Kadavar Kon, one of the Nayanmars, who worshiped Lord Shiva at this temple, as per the records available.
Annual procession:
The Annual Procession of the temple is an elaborate one and is very famous. It includes the idols of Lord Shiva (as Sri Veda Murthy - the prefix Veda(n) in Tamil stands for hunter), Devi Parvati, Lord Muruga and Arjuna.
It is also believed the Lord had also indicated to Arjuna that he too would be born as a hunter in one of his rebirths, worship him and get salvation. The story of Kannappa Nayanar is associated with Arjuna's rebirth.
The Temple
The temple is east facing with a huge five tier Rajagopuram. Beautiful stucco images are on the Rajagopuram. An attractive arch is on the Main road.
Other deities of the Temple
Other than the shrines of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy, shrines and idols of Lords Sundara Vinayakar, (it may be noted that Sundara Vinayaka is also known as Sthala Vinayaka in this temple) Muruga with his consorts, Nataraja, Dakshinamurthy, Mahalakshmi, Durga, Chandikeswara, Navagraham, Nalvar, Bairavar, Aiyappa with his consorts Poorana and Pushkalai can be seen in the corridors.
Literary Mentions:
Thirugnanasambandar and Vallalar have sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. In Periyapuranam, Sekkizhar records that Thirugnanasambandar came to this temple after worshiping Lord Shiva of Thirupariyalur. The Sthala Puranam of the temple includes a famous hymn on the Devi of the temple Sangu Valai Karathalai (சங்குவளைக் கரத்தாளை).
Contact
Sri Thirumeniyazhakar Temple,
Thiruvettakudi,
Near Karaikkal,
Puducherry - 609 609.
Tele: +91- 4368 - 265 693, 265 691, 98940 51753.
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