Manimangalam Rajagopalaswamy temple

Location: The temple is about 12kms from Tambaram on the Mudichur road and about 5kms from Vandalur on the Sriperambudur highway.

Moolavar: Rajagopalaswamy standing posture facing East


Urchavar:Rajagolpar

Thaayar : Shengamala Valli Thaayar (Separate Sannidhi)

Temple Time: 7am- 10am and 4pm-7pm

Uniqueness :
Moolavar Lord Rajagopalaswamy is seen in a standing posture with a Conch Shell in his right hand and a chakra in his left hand.
 About the Temple:
The temple is said to 1000 year old , spread on 1 1/2 acres of land constructed during the chola era. 
Temple in the Vincity:

Manimangalam Dharmeeshwarar temple
Manimangalam Kailasanathar Temple
Vaikuntanathar temple

Sri Srardha Samrakshana Narayanan

Location: Nenmeli is situated at about 6 kms from Chingleput, on the road towards Mahabalipuram,.


Other Names: Nenmeli is also known as Pundarikanallur or Pindam vaiththa nallur.

Sannadhi:

Presiding Deity :Lord Srartha Samrakshana Narayanan

Lord Lakshmi Narashimha

Lord Krishna

Lord Ganesha

Legends:

The place where the temple is situated once was under the kingdom of Arcot Nawab. And, there lived an aged couple, the husband worked as a Diwan in the Nawab kingdom. The couples spent, the money, which they had to pay to the Nawab, was spent towards Deiva Kainkaryam. And as a result of this, they both were ordered to be prisoner.

The couple did not want to accept the punishment as they spent the money only for for Deiva Kainkaryam. So, they went towards the Pushkarani of Thiruvedenthai Divyadesam and let their death happen in the Pushkarani.

But both of them were worried that they didn’t have any children to perform the Srardham for them. And it is said that the god himself performed the Srardham, Hence even today, it is said that the Perumal himself performs Srardham for the people, who don’t have son or anyone else to perform and it is done during the time from 12 noon to 1.00 pm.

And people who want to perform Srardham in this temple can join during the time of Pithru poojai by making the Sangalpam and dedicating it to the Perumal. The Neivedhyam done for this Perumal is Ven pongal (or) curd rice and along with it, Perandai and Yel Thuvayal is dedicated and the Perumal accepts it with full of kindness.

About the Temple:

• The Pithru Poojai, which is performed during Amavasai and Ekadesi thithi, is said to equivalent to that of the Srardham that’s being performed in Gaya.

• In the temple,a sacred Sri Maha Lakshmi Salagramam is found ,worshipping this Salagramam is said to create improvement in business wealth, health and Sakala Sowbhagyam.

• It is said the Perumal himself performs Srardham to our Pithrus, if we could not perform it. And that’s the reason why the Perumal of this sthalam is called with Thiru Naamam – Sri Srardha Samrakshana Narayanan.

Temple in the Vincity:


• Rudhra Kodeeswarar Temple

• Bhakthavatsaleswarar Temple:

• Vedhagreeswarar temple:

• Vadamalleeswarar Temple Oragadam

• Kodhanda Ramar Temple at Orgadam

• Periyandavar Temple, Thirunilai village


Thirumalai Vaiyaavoor Sri Prasanna Venkatesa Perumaal

Thirumalai Vaiyaavoor Sri Prasanna Venkatesa Perumaal

Location:
Thirumalai Vaiyaavoor lies about 74 kms from Chennai and 20 kms from Chengalpattu. While going from Chennai, after crossing Chengalpattu, one can find Padaalam Cross Road from where a road goes off GST Road on the right side. This road leads to Thirumalai Vaiyaavoor.

Other Names:

Thirumalai Vaiyaavoor has a beautiful temple for Sri Prasanna Venkatesa Perumaal on a small hill, which is also called Then Thirumalai. Goddess here is Sri Alarmel Mangai Thaayaar.

This hill has various names like Sri Vaikundagiri, Dhakshina Garudagiri, Dhakshina Venkatagiri, Dhakshina Seshagiri, Varaaha Kshethram and Ramanuja Yogagiri. This ancient temple has some interesting legends attached to it.

Legends:

Legends takes us to the Ramayana era. Rama sent Hanuman to bring the Sanjeevi hill to cure Lakshmana. While carrying the sanjeevi hill , On his way to lanka It is said that Sri Hanuman worshipped Sri Varaaha Perumaal and Sri Prasanna Venkatesa Puramaal on this hill. As Sanjeevi hill should not be placed on ground, it is said that Sri Hanuman shifted the hill from His right hand to left hand to offer obeisance to the Gods here. As the holy Sanjeevi hill was not kept on ground here by Sri Hanuman, this place came to be known as Thirumalai Vaiyaavoor.

Once a demon king called Hiranyaakshan took the earth and kept under his custody, hiding it deep inside the ocean. Lord Vishnu took Varaaha Avatar, killed the demon and brought back the earth to its position. After this Sri Varaaha Perumaal wished to take abode on a hill to bless the world. He directed Sri Garuda to bring a hill from Vaikuntam itself.While Sri Garuda carried the hill, a small part of it broke and fell near the banks of the river Palar and came to be known as Dhakshina Garudagiri.As wished by Sri Garuda, Lord Vishnu gave him Viswaroopa Dharshan in the form of Sri Varaaha Perumaal here at Dhakshina Garudagiri.

Aadhiseshan prayed to Srinivaasa Perumaal and told that he had a wish to serve as an umbrella to the Lord. Sri Srinivaasa Perumaal agreed and told that his wish would come true at Dhakshina Garudagiri. Hence in Thirumalai Vaiyaavoor Sri Aadhiseshan is seen above the deity Sri Srinivaasa Perumaal’s head as an umbrella. Hence, this place came to be known as Dhakshina Seshagiri.

Sri Ramanuja had worshipped the Lord here and named the place ‘Vaikundagiri’. He also had stayed in this place and meditated the Lord. Hence this place is also called as Ramanuja Yogagiri.

About the Temple:

The temple is beautifully located on a hill. One has to climb 500steps to reach the temple. There is also a road that takes one directly to the temple.Though the temple is known as prasanna Venkatesa Perumal temple Varaaha Perumaal is said to the Aadhi Murthy here.


Sannadhi:

Varaaha Perumaal with Lakshmi

Srinivaasa Perumaal

Alarmel Mangai Thaayaar

Aandaal

Ramanuja

Rama

Krishna

Garuda

Anjaneyar ( Foot Hill)

Temple Time: 8am-12noon and 4pm-7pm

Theertham : Varaaha Theertham


Temple in the Vincity:


Lord Varadarajar / Sundara Mahalakshmi Temple at Arasar koil

Ranganathar temple at Karunkuzhi

Vada Thirunallar at Karunkunzhi

Vada Chitrambalam Murugan temple at Maduranthagam

Yeri katha Ramar temple at Maduranthakam

Thiruvenkaatteeshvarar Shiva temple at Kadapperi, Maduranthakam

Sri Amba nayahi sametha VeeraVaranathar Shiva temple at Thiru Kannar ( lingam is one of the biggest)

Vyagrapureeswarar temple at Pulippara koil

Picheeswarar Temple at Mamandur

Nandhambakkam Sri Kothandaramar

Nandhambakkam Sri Kothandaramar


Nandhambakkam is located on the Mount Poonamallee Road just about 2 kms from Guindy Kathipara junction. This temple is located just on the opposite side of Chennai Trade Center.

Mulavar: Kodhanda Ramar, Srinivasa Perumal

Posture : Nindra Kolam , Standing Posture (Srinivasa Perumal)

Theertham: Bringi Maharishi Theertham

Kshethram: Brindaanya Kshethram

Vimanam: Nalinaga Vimanam

Legends:

According to Legends its known to be Bringi Maharishi' s Ashram. Lord Rama on his way to Ramewaram was requested by Saint Bringi to stay in his ashram for some time. In the Nandavanam near the Ashram Lord Rama stayed for some time. The place came to be known as Nandhavanam itself, which later changed as Nandhambakkam. The place to Nandhambakkam is Ramapuram as lord Rama stayed here.

About the temple:

The descendants of Vijayanagar rulers constructed a temple for Rama, Sita and Lakshmana, around 750 years ago, in the place where Lord Rama stayed. The original idols that the sage worshipped were installed in this temple.

Sannidis:

  • Rama here is seen along with Lakshmana, Bharatha and Sathrukna ( Facing South)

  • Sita Devi is seen sitting on Sri Rama’s lap ( Facing South)

  • Anjaneyar (( Facing North)

  • Srinivasa Perumal ( Facing East)

  • Alarmelmangai Thayar

  • Nandavana Kannan

  • Anjaneyar ( In the praakaaram)

  • Azhwars and Acharyas

  • chakrathalwar temple & Narasimhar

Temple Timing: 7.00 am to 10.30 am and 6.00 pm to 8.15 pm

Unique Features:

The temple is south facing

Kodhanda Ramar holding Sita in His lap



Temples in Proximity:

Sri Ramalingeswarar ( Nandambakkam)

Sri Ramanadeswarar Temple at Porur (Chennai Navagraha Sthalam – Guru)

Hridayaaleeswarar Temple , Thiruninravur

Hridayaaleeswarar Temple , Thiruninravur



Hridhayaaleeswarar Temple is about 300m from Sri Bakthavatsalam Temple, Thiruninravur. This temple was built in 7th century .
 
Legends:
 
The story of this temple dates back to 7th century. There lived a Shiva devotee called Poosalaar. Poosalaar was determined to build a temple for Lord Shiva at this place within his lifetime. He sought for help with many rich people who can fund him to raise a temple. But hardly anyone helped him.
 
Knowing that he won’t get any help, Poosalaar finally decided to build a temple for the Lord by himself, at his heart itself. As he knew all the Aagama Vidhis and nuances to build a temple, he wanted to start building the temple.
 
Poosalaar marked an auspicious day to commence the holy work. The temple started growing up in his mind. It is said that Poosalaar actually took the same time which will be needed to construct an actual temple.Finally, he also fixed an auspicious date for Kumbhabishegam of the temple. He prayed to Lord Shiva to be present for the consecration and offer His blessings.
 
During the same period, a king called Rajasimma Pallava was ruling this part. He was also was a ardent devotee of Lord Shiva and was building a huge beautiful temple for the Lord, at Kaanchi. He also named the God as Kailasanathar and the temple as Rajasimmeswaram.
 
The king also marked the same date which poosalaar had chooses for consecration. One day after visiting the progress of the temple work, he came back tiresome to bed. Lord Shiva appeared in his dream and told him that He cannot make it to the consecration, as He had to be present for consecration of another temple built by Poosalaar of Thiruninravur.
 
The king woke up shockingly and couldn’t believe himself He wanted to know about the temple which God informed him of. He immediately set off to see Poosalaar’s temple at Thiruninravur.
 
He came to Thiruninravur the next day and enquired with many people about a new Shiva temple built by Poosalaar. Nobody knew anything about the temple but directed the king to the place where Poosalaar was meditating under the Iruppai tree.
 
King went and asked Poosalaar himself about the temple. Poosalaar, on hearing the king explaining about his dream, was overwhelmed to realize the mercy shown to him by Lord Shiva. Poosalaar explained the king that he had been constructing the temple in his heart and had fixed a date for consecration.
 
Rajasimma was amazed to see the devotion and sincerity of Poosalaar. The king himself took all the specifications of the temple and constructed a temple for the Lord here. Hence his temple is also called Manakkoil.
 
As Poosalaar originally built the temple for the Lord in his Heart, the Lord here is known as Hridhayaaleeswarar.

 
About the Temple:
 
There are 2 entrances to this temple, one on east and the other to the west, the Lord here faces east here. The sanctum is built in Gajabrishta or Thoongaanai Maadam shape.

 
Sannadhis:
 
Presiding Deity: Sri Hridhayaleswarar
 
Thaayar: Sri Maragadambigai
 
Poosalaar
 
Subramanyar
 
Ganapathy
 
Dhakshinamurthy
 
Naalvar
 
Maha Vishnu
 
Subramanyar with Valli and Devasena
 
Brahma
 
Durgai
 
Sandigeswarar
 
Sivagama Sundari
 
Natarajar
 
Kala Bairavar
 
Stala Virutchagam: Vilvam
 
 
Uniqueness of this temple
 
1. Parihaar stala for all heart ailments.
 
2. Sage Poosalaar built same replica in his mind and the same has been built by Rajasimma Pallavan physically. Hence the name Sri Hridhayaleswarar
 
3. The architecture of Garba Graha is similar to sleeping elephant like most of the temples in orissa sarvajan sukhino bhavanthu

4. The temple also has the statue of Rajasimma Pallavan

 
Temples in Proximity

  1. Bhakthavatsala Perumal - 108 Divya desam
  2. Eri Kaatha Ramar

Eri Katha Ramar Temple, Thiruninravur


Eri Katha Ramar Temple, Thiruninravur

 
Thiruninravur is a village in Thiruvallur District of Tamil Nadu. It is situated at around 32KM from Chennai.



It is famous for Bakthavatsala Perumal Temple which is one of the 108 Divyadesams. Hridayaleeswarar Temple constructed 1500 years ago dedicated to Shiva is also located at Thiruninravur. Both built during the Pallava era. But there is another temple named "Eri Katha Ramar" which is also quite famous in thiruninravur.



How to reach:


The place is well connected by both bus and rail from Chennai.

Buses connecting Thiruninravur:


71E --> Thiruninravur to Parrys T16 --> Avadi to Tiruvallur via. Thiruninravur. M71E, 65C --> Ambattur Ind. Estate to Thiruninravur. 572> Ambattur Estate - Thiruvallur. 54A --> Poonamallee to Thiruninravur.


Trains:

Trains bound to Tiruvallur, Arakkonam, Kadambathur, Tiruvalangadu, Tirutani and Tirupathi starting from Chennai will halt at Thiruninravur.


The Temple:

This temple is just 50 mtrs away from Bakthavatsala Perumal Temple. Its lies opposite to Bakthavatsala Perumal Temple on the banks of the Thiruninravur lake.


Sannadis:


1. Presiding deity: Rama & his consort Sita & Lakshmana , Sri Sita Sametha Sri Rama


2. Two Anjeneyas


3. Krishna


Posture: Nindra Kolam , Standing posture


About the deity:

Lord Rama along with his consort sita & lakshmana gives us darshna in standing posture. The moolavar is huge & beautiful. Lord Rama is not found with his bow & arrow but with a stick (Eri Katha rama).


Uniqueness:


Sri Anjaneya is Carrying Sri Rama &  Lakshmana on his Shoulder, the only other temple which has the similar idol is Naimisaranyam (U.P).


Temples in Proximity:


1. Bakthavatsala Perumal Temple (108 Divya desam temple)

2. Hridayaleeswarar Temple ( Pariharra Sthala for Heart Ailments)

Nithya Kalyana Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal

Nithya Kalyana Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal

When we hear the name Nithya Kalyana  Perumal , we generally get tuned to the temple in ECR ThiruVidanthai Nithya Kalyana Perumal  built by the pallavas. But this Nithya Kalyana  Perumal  is much unheard to many. I would like to bring in to light about this unique less know temple.

Place: Aappur

Near by place: Singaperumal Kovil , Aappur is 5 km from Singaperumal Kovil


How to Reach: About Aappur: Aappur is a small hamlet near Singaperumal Kovil. Aappur has very less buses frequency. If you are travelling from chennai by bus then you need to board a bus from tambaram which goes via Oragadam. Alternative route would be via Singaperumal Kovil , from Singaperumal Kovil alot of share autos.


This temple is located on top of a hill known as oushadagiri ( Oushada- Medicinal , Giri - Hill ). we need to climb 500 stairs to  get the darshan of  Nithya Kalyana perumal. The temple is erected in conformity with agama shilpa shaastras.




Sannadis:

  1. Nithya Kalyana Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal
  2. Garuda

Presiding deity - Nithya Kalyana Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal
 
Posture: Nindra Kolam , Standing posture


Uniqueness :
  1. Only Vaishnavite temple where Agasthiaya is said to have abserved penance.
  2. Only temple where Perumal is found to be wearing Saree.


About the Deity:  

Nithya Kalyana Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal is said to have his consort in his heart, hence there is no seperate sannadi for Thayar & hence the deity is worn a saree.
 


 Pariharram: 
As the Name it self signifies Nithya Kalyana. Its a parriharra stala for Marraiage and  prosperity.

Temples in Proximity:
  1. Vallakkotai Murugan Kovil
  2. Singaperumal Kovil
  3. Chettipunniyam  Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple