Archive for the 'South India Temples' Category
Chottanikkara Temple is a popular temple of Kerala. The temple is located near the city of Ernakulam in the state. Goddess Rajarajeswari is the presiding deity of the shrine who is worshiped in the temple in three forms- Saraswathy in the morning, Lakshmi in the afternoon and Durga in the evening. Lord Mahavishnu is also worshiped in the shrine and his idol is located next to the idol of the goddess. So the goddess is also known as Ammenarayana, Devinarayana, Lakshminarayana and Bhadrenarayana also. Other heavenly deities worshiped in the temple are Lord Brahma, Shiva, Ganesha, Subramanya and Sastha. The peaceful ambiance of the temple offers peace in plenty.
People suffering from various mental illnesses come to this temple, as it is believed that Goddess Bhagawati blesses her devotees and cure them of their illnesses. There is a special ‘Guruthi Puja’ performed in the temple in the evening to invoke the goddess. This ritual is performed on daily basis.
The image of the goddess is of laterite ( a reddish soil formed by the decomposition of the underlying rocks). The image is irregular in shape and is covered with a golden kavacam. The festival of ‘Makom Thozhal’ ( worship on the Makom day) is celebrated with great enthusiasm in the month of February/ March every year in the Chottanikkara Temple.
July 05 2010 | South India Temples | No Comments »
In Chennai, Mylapore, the Kapaleeswarar Temple is extremely ancient temple and is one of the visited temples. The original temple was underwater beneath the sea and the present temple construction was an afterward construction.
The Amman is karpagambal and Moolavar is kapaleeswarar. There are split sannadhis for many deities such as Murugar, Vinayagar, Saneeswara, Annamalaiyar. There are many other deities such as Chandikeswarar, Durgai, Dakshinamurthy located within the major Sannadhis of Kapaleeswarar (Shiva) and Karpagambal (Paravati).
Kapaleeswarar (Shiva) and Karpagambal (Paravati) temple is visited one. The temple is one of the main attractions in Madras. The present construction is an about 300 years old. The deity has been vocal by poets of the past millennium. This temple is also offered with enlarge mandapams and a storage tank. The temples tank lies reverse the tower.
Kapaleeswar temple is devoted to Lord Shiva. Kapaleeswaram is offered with a Shiv Lingam which is considered as having been set up by the Brahma. The lingam is well known Kapaleeswarar. Pravati is a small shrine in the type of peacock and included in the courtyard. This temple is the bronze statue of sixty-three shaivite saints. The Dravidian culture is a well example. However, the divinities have been commonly said of well-known personalities.
The Arupath Moovar Vizha festival has a huge crowd in March to April every year. Temple festivals attract enormous crowds here. The temple gives the 10 days occasions. The temple is decorated beautifully with the road complimenting the stated occurrence. In nearby district, there are sweet sharing ceremonies, classical dance performance and processions.
The temple has additional devoted to Muruga (called Singara Velar) and Ganesha (a dancing type called Nardana Vinayakar), with his 2 consorts Deivayani and Valli. Devote are smaller shrines other kinds of Muruga (Palani Andavar), shiva (Sundareswarar, Jagatheswarar and Annamalaiar) and others. Navagraha temple is also current. Sani Bhagavan a separate temple on Saturday will be special puja’s done.
Vahanas
At the temple, the vahanas include the parrot, elephant, goat, bandicoot, bull and peacock among additional as a golden chariot is a new addition. On the vahana the Goddess and the God is seated with brought around the shrine and the temple band playing music during this happening. Around the vahanas devotees gather and believe it a respect to lift on the vahana in the Goddess and the God.
Nowadays, the temple rectangular site complex is crowded with stalls like temple jewelers, flower sellers and silk merchants, creating it a charming place to as left a few hours.
July 05 2010 | South India Temples | No Comments »
The Vijayanagar Empire caused a number of monuments to be built and patronized in the State of Andhra Pradesh. The ornate Lepakshi temples being one of the popular temples of that era. Lepakshi is a small village, which lies nine miles east of Hindupur in Anantapur District of Andhra and is famous for its temple of Veerabhadra, and is also a renowned place where the best specimens of the mural paintings of the Vijayanagar kings are available.
The flat stuccoed granite ceilings of the Vijayanagar Empire provided a suitable background for frescoes as seen at Lepakshi. This temple is a notable example of the Vijayanagar style of architecture, and is built on a low rocky hill, which is called Kurmasaila so called because the bill is like a tortoise, in shape. An inscription on the exit of the outer wall of the temple records that one Virupanna constructed it in the 16th century.
The beautiful sculptures on the prakaram attract the pilgrims’ attention. These include 14 forms of Siva, like Dakshinamurthi, Ardhanareeswara, Tripurantaka etc. The hall of creepers is another excellent work of art, which has provided perennial inspiration to textile designers over the years. About 500m, North-East of the temple stands India’s largest monolithic Nandhi, measuring about 8.25m long and 4,60m high.
June 10 2010 | South India Temples | No Comments »
Situated on the banks of the Narmada, Omkareshwar is one of the 12 revered Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. It is located at a distance of about 12 miles from Mortakka in Madhya Pradesh. The river Narmada spits into two and forms an island Mandhata or Shivapuri in the center. The shape of the island resembles that of the visual representation of the Omkara sound, Om. There are two temples here, one to Omkareshwar and one to Amareshwar. Legend has it that the Vindhya mountain prayed to Shiva – Omkareshwara and was blessed here. Legend also has it that upon the request of the Devas, the Shivalinga split into two, one half being Omkareshwara and the other Amaleshwara or Amareshwar. King Mandhatha of the Ishvaku clan is believed to have worshiped Shiva here. The Omkareshawar temple is built in the North Indian style of architecture, with high spires. Devotees consider worship to Panchamuga Ganesha, to be very auspicious.
Shri Omkar Mandhata
The main temple with detailed carving in soap stone stands on a mile long and half mile island.
Siddhnath Temple
A frieze of elephants carved on a stone slab is the main draw of this example of early medieval Branmhatic architecture.
24 Avataras
A cluster of Hindu and Jain temples in varied architecture modes.
Satmatrika Temple
A group of 10th century temples.
June 10 2010 | South India Temples | No Comments »
Perhaps the best known pilgrimage destination in Kerala, Sabarimala is situated high up in the Sahyadri Mountains. Sabarimala Sri Dharmasastha Temple is the most famous and prominent among all the Sastha Temples. It is believed that “Parasurama Maharshi” who uplifted Kerala from the sea by throwing his axe, installed the idol of Ayyappa at Sabarimala to worship Lord Ayyappa. The temple attracts pilgrims not only from the southern states of India, but also from other parts of the country and abroad.
Various legends explain the birth of Ayyappa, among them that he was born to battle the demons of Kerala’s hill tribes. Brought up by a childless tribal king, Ayyappa performs many miracles. After fulfilling the purpose of his incarnation, Ayyappa entered the inner sanctum of the ancient temple upon sacred Mt Sabari and disappeared. During his life, Ayyappa reportedly kept the company of tigers and leopards.
The Sabarimala temple attracts the maximum pilgrims on the first day of the ‘Makharam’ month on January 17, when a celestial light appears on top of a nearby hill. Thousands arrive just to see the light, which is considered sacred. All the devotees, after taking a holy dip in the river, trek to the hilltop temple. Before beginning the pilgrimage to Sabarimala, pilgrims prepare themselves with 41 days of rigorous fasting, celibacy, meditation and prayer. The standard items that are carried to the temple include a coconut filled with ghee and two other coconuts that are broken in front of the temple.
June 10 2010 | South India Temples | No Comments »
The ancient and sacred temple of Sri Venkateswara is located on the seventh peak, Venkatachala (Venkata Hill) of the Tirupati Hill, and lies on the southern banks of Sri Swami Pushkarini.It is by the Lord’s presidency over Venkatachala, that He has received the appellation, Venkateswara (Lord of the Venkata Hill). He is also called the Lord of the Seven Hills.
The temple of Sri Venkateswara has acquired unique sanctity in Indian religious lore. The Sastras, Puranas, Sthala Mahatyams and Alwar hymns unequivocally declare that, in the Kali Yuga, one can attain mukti, only by worshipping Venkata Nayaka or Sri Venkateswara.
The benefits acquired by a pilgrimage to Venkatachala are mentioned in the Rig Veda and Asthadasa Puranas. In these epics, Sri Venkateswara is described as the great bestowed of boons. There are several legends associated with the manifestation of the Lord at Tirumala.
There is ample literary and epigraphic testimony to the antiquity of the temple of Lord Sri Venkateswara. All the great dynasties of rulers of the southern peninsula have paid homage to Lord Sri Venkateswara in this ancient shrine. The Pallavas of Kancheepuram (9th century AD), the Cholas of Thanjavur (a century later), the Pandyas of Madurai, and the kings and chieftains of Vijayanagar (14th – 15th century AD) were devotees of the Lord and they competed with one another in endowing the temple with rich offerings and contributions.
It was during the rule of the Vijayanagar dynasty that the contributions to the temple increased. Sri Krishnadevaraya had statues of himself and his consorts installed at the portals of the temple, and these statues can be seen to this day. There is also a statue of Venkatapati Raya in the main temple.
Sri Venkatachala Mahatmya is referred to in several Puranas, of which the most important are the Varaha Purana and the Bhavishyottara Purana. The printed work contains extracts from the Varaha Purana, Padma Purana, Garuda Purana, Brahmanda Purana, Markandeya Purana, Harivamsa, Vamana Purana, Brahma Purana, Brahmottara Purana, Aditya Purana, Skanda Purana and Bhavishyottara Purana. Most of these extracts describe the sanctity and antiquity of the hills around Tirumala and the numerous teerthams situated on them.
The legends taken from the Venkatachala Mahatmya and the Varaha Purana, pertaining to the manifestation of the Lord at Tirumala, are of particular interest.
According to the Varaha Purana, Adi Varaha manifested Himself on the western bank of the Swami Pushkarini, while Vishnu in the form of Venkateswara came to reside on the southern bank of the Swami Pushkarini.
Padi Kavali Maha Dwara
The Padi Kavali Maha Dwara or Outer Gopuram stands on a quadrangular base. Its architecture is that of the later Chola period. The inscriptions on the gopuram belong to 13th century. There are a number of stucco figures of Vaishnava gods like Hanuman, Kevale Narasimha and Lakshmi Narasimha on the gopuram.
Sampangi Pradakshinam
The path for circumnavigating the temple is called a pradakshinam. The main temple has three prakarams. Between the outermost and middle prakarams is the second pathway for circumambulation known as the Sampangi Pradakshinam. Currently, this pathway is closed to pilgrims. The Sampangi Pradakshinam contains several interesting mandapams like the Pratima Mandapam, Ranga Mandapam, Tirumala Raya Mandapam, Saluva Narasimha Mandapam, Aina Mahal and Dhvajasthambha Mandapam.
Ranga Mandapam
Ranga Mandapam, also called the Ranganayakula Mandapam, is located in the south-eastern corner of the Sampangi Pradakshinam. The shrine within it is believed to be the place where the utsava murti of Lord Ranganadha of Srirangam was kept during the 14th century, when Srirangam was occupied by Muslim rulers. It is said to have been constructed between 1320 and 1360 AD by the Yadava ruler Sri Ranganadha Yadava Raya. It is constructed according to the Vijayanagara style of architecture.
Tirumala Raya Mandapam
Adjoining the Ranga Mandapam on the western side, and facing the Dhvajasthambha Mandapam is a spacious complex of pavilions known as the Tirumala Raya Mandapam or Anna Unjal Mandapam.
It consists of two different levels, the front at a lower level and the rear at a higher. The southern or inner portion of this Mandapam was constructed by Saluva Narasimha in 1473 AD to celebrate a festival for Sri Venkateswara called Anna Unjal Tirunal. This structure was extended to its present size by Araviti Bukkaraya Ramaraja, Sriranga Raja and Tirumala Raja.
It is in this Mandapam, that the utsava murthi Malayappan, holds His annual darbar or Asthanam during the hoisting of the Garudadhwaja on Dhwajastambham to mark the commencement of Brahmotsavam. Incidentally, the prasadam distributed on this occasion is still called Tirumalarayan Pongal.
Tirumala Raya Mandapam
The Mandapam has a typical complex of pillars in the Vijayanagara style, with a central pillar surrounded by smaller pillars, some of which emit musical notes when struck with a stone. The main pillars have rearing horses with warriors mounted on them. Some of the best sculptures of the temple are found in bold relief in the Mandapam. The bronze statues of Todermallu, his mother Matha Mohana Devi and wife Pitha Bibi, are kept in a corner of the Mandapam.
The Aina Mahal
The Aina Mahal is on the northern side of the Tirumala Raya Mandapam. It consists of two parts – an open mandapam in the front consisting of six rows comprising six pillars each, and a shrine behind it consisting of an Antarala and Garbhagriha. It has large mirrors which reflect images in an infinite series. There is an unjal in the middle of the room in which the Lord is seated and festivals conducted.
The daily program starts with ‘Suprabhatam’ (awakening the Lord) at three in the morning and end with the ‘Ekanta Seva’ (putting the Lord to sleep) at one in the night. Daily, Weekly and Periodical ‘Sevas’ and ‘Utsavams’ are performed to the Lord. Interested pilgrims can choose from the list and pay to get the Sevas or Utsavams done on their name. Devotees offer their gifts and donations in the “Hundi”, which is the main source of income.
Everyday is a day of festivity at Tirumala. The most famous is the annual festival called ‘Brahmotsavam’, which is celebrated on grand scale for nine days in September, attracting pilgrims and tourists from all parts of the country. The fifth and ninth days of the festival are especially significant in as much as Garudostavam and Rathotavam takes place on those days.
June 10 2010 | South India Temples | No Comments »
Thousand Pillar Temple of Andhra Pradesh – Located in the Warangal District of Andhra Prdesh, the Thousand Pillar Temple symbolises the brilliance of the Kakatiya architecture. Erected by Rudra Devi in 1163 AD, the temple is the biggest draw at Hanamkonda. The nature-rich surroundings add much to the beauty of the temple. The ancient temple lies close to the Hanamkonda-Warangal Highway.
History
Andhra pradesh thousand pillar temple – The temple was built by Rudra Devi in 1163 AD on the lines of the Chalukyan style. The star-shaped architecture of the temple is a fine example of the Kakatiya art and architecture.
The Kakatiya rulers were great patronages of art and the temple is a testimony to their designing senses. The rulers had employed legendary sculptors of their times.
Architecture
The temple has been built in the shape of a star. Standing on a 1-metre-high platform, the temple has three shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Surya. The temple is positioned on the slopes of the Hanumakonda Hill. You can also view a huge statue of Nandi, the sacred bull of Shiva.
The statue is built in black basalt and has a lovely finish. A number of small lingam shrines can also be seen around. The delicately carved pillars, screens and beautiful sculptures are a worthy experience for all.
Accessibility
Hyderabad, at a distance of 141 km, is the closest airport from Warangal.
By rail routes, the city is connected with all the major cities and towns of the country. Road route too is well established.
June 08 2010 | South India Temples | No Comments »
The Bull Temple is located at Bangalore in the state of Karnataka. Erected by Kempe Gowda in the 16th century, the temple is one of the most ancient in the city and is dedicated to Nandi, the sacred bull and mount of Lord Shiva. The giant statue of Nandi is carved out of a single boulder and thus is considered to be a sculptural masterpiece in bull temple karnataka.
History
The Nandi Bull is held in high regard for being the Vahana (mount) of Lord Shiva. There is an interesting story behind the installation of the gigantic statue. A vagrant bull used to devour the groundnuts grown in the nearby fields. The farmers of the area, after all the effort, were unable to keep the creature away. Eventually, the magnificent Bull Temple was built and thus the problem was solved. But still today, to make the tradition alive, the farmers organise a groundnut fair near the bull temple karnataka every year.
Architecture
bull temple karnataka is built in the typical Dravidian style. The shrine is positioned atop a hill. Here, one can see the gigantic black and shiny statue of Nandi. The statue measures 20 feet in length and 15 feet in height.
At the back is yet another Lingam shrine with a majestic gopuram that is worth seeing. The underground Sri Gavi Gandadhareswara Temple is also a must visit for tourists. During the Shivratri Festival, the sight at the Bull Temple is truly a worthy experience.
Accessibility
By air, Bangalore can be accessed from places like Kolkata, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Delhi and Ahmedabad. The city of Bangalore has excellent road and rail network connecting to the key destinations of the state and the country.
June 08 2010 | South India Temples | No Comments »
Rock Fort Temple South India Tours – The Rock Fort temple complex in Tiruchirappalli is a collection of three temples – the Manikka Vinayaka temple at the foot of the hill, the Uchhi Pillayar Koyil at the top of the hill and the Taayumaanava Koyil (Shivastalam) on the hill. This Shivastalam is a rock cut temple on a hill in the most prominent landmark in Tiruchirappalli (Trichy); reached by a flight of steps on the way to the famous Ucchi Pillaya temple Rock Fort Temple.
Tiruchirappalli itself has a long history, going back to the centuries before the Christian era, when it was a Chola citadel. The Pandyas and Pallavas held sway over the region for short periods. In the 12th century, Cholas were subverted by the Vijayanagar kings of Hampi, who proudly withstood the invading Muslims. Less than fifty years later, the Nayaks of Madurai came to power, constructed the Rock Fort, and firmly established Tiruchirappalli as the trading city.
This shrine houses Kangaala Moorthy, one of the 64 manifestations of Shiva. The approach to the temple is through a flight of covered stairs South India Rock Fort Temple Tour Package. Towards the end of the climb, the Tayumanavar temple is towards the west and the Uchipillayar temple towards the east.
There is a rock cut Pallava temple – Lalitankura Pallaveswaram in this hill temple complex, with several inscriptions here attributed to Mahendravarma Pallavan. In addition the Cholas, the Vijayanagar rulers and the Nayaks of Madurai have made extensive contributions here. The two storeyed Taayumaanava temple, built on (in!) a hill is a masterpiece of construction. The Chittira Mandapam (also spelt as Mandapa) houses a granite chain with nine loops. Six worship services are offered each day here. This well endowed temple celebrates the annual Brahmotsavam in Chithirai. Aadi Pooram and the float festival in Panguni are also of significance here.
As the name suggests, the Rock Fort Temple is situated on 83 m high outcrops.This temple was built by the Pallavas as a small cave temple, but the Nayaks made use of its naturally fortified position. It is a stiff climb, up the 437 steps cut into the stone to the top.
The Rock Fort Temple complex in Tiruchirappalli or Trichy is a fine combination of three temples, the Manikka Vinayakar temple at the foot of the hill, the Uchhi Pillayar Koyil at the top of the hill and the Taayumaanavar Koyil Shivastalam on the hill. Shivastalam is a rock cut temple on a hill and the most noticeable landmark in Tiruchirappalli, reached by a flight of steps on the way to the famous Ucchi Pillayar temple.
There is a rock cut Pallava temple called Lalitankura Pallaveswaram in this hill temple complex, with several inscriptions here attributed to Mahendravarma Pallavan Cultural Tour South India. In addition the Cholas, the Vijayanagar rulers and the Nayaks of Madurai have made extensive contributions here. The two storeyed Taayumaanava temples, built on a hill is a masterpiece of construction.
Six worship services are offered each day here. This well equipped temple celebrates the annual Brahmotsavam in Chithirai. Aadi Pooram and the float festival in Panguni are also of significance here. Built by the Nayaks of Madurai, it holds two temples dedicated to Shiva and Ganesha.
June 08 2010 | South India Temples | No Comments »
Mahabalipuram is world famous for its shore temples and it was the second capital of the Pallava kings of Kanchipuram. 58 kilometers from Madras on the Bay of Bengal, this tiny seaside village of Mahabalipuram, is set in a covered landscape.
Mahabalipuram Temple Tours Interesting tourist places include, Rathas which are architectural prototypes of all Dravidian temples, famous Arjuna’s Penance and Krishna Mandapa, adorn massive rocks near the center of the village. The Shore Temple towers over the waves, behind a protective breakwater give a beautiful image. Sixteen man made caves in different stages of completion are also seen scattered through the area.
Mahabalipuram art is divided into four categories, open-air bas-reliefs, structured temples, man-made caves, and rathas. Today it attracts shoals of foreigners in search of relaxation and sea bathing, and most strange of all, it has an atomic power plant also. A number of scholarly controversies rage over its history and that of its monuments.
Mahabalipuram was already a center of pilgrimage when, in the 7th century Mamalla made it a seaport and began to make temples fashioned of rock. It was through Mahabalipuram that many Indian colonists, who included sages and artists, migrated to Southeast Asia. Sri Lanka’s national chronicle, the “Mahavamsa” testifies to this fact.
June 08 2010 | South India Temples | No Comments »
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The image of the goddess is of laterite ( a reddish soil formed by the decomposition of the underlying rocks). The image is irregular in shape and is covered with a golden kavacam. The festival of ‘Makom Thozhal’ ( worship on the Makom day) is celebrated with great enthusiasm in the month of February/ March every year in the Chottanikkara Temple.
