Majestic Temples of India

Panchamukhi Hanuman Temple Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu Panchamukhi (5) faced Hanuman, is situated at a distance of 2km from Ramanathaswamy Temple. Hanuman revealed 5 faces here such as Hanuman, Narasimha, Adi Varaha, Garuda & Hayagriva. During Ramayana war, Ravana sought help of Ahiravan, king of Patal Lok to attack Rama. Ahiravan disguised himself as Vibhishana took Rama & Lakshmana to Patal loka. Ahiravan could be killed only by extinguishing 5 lamps at same time which was in 5 directions. Hanuman took Panchamukha Anjaneya Avatar, destroyed Ahiravan & saved Rama Lakshmana. Floating stones are seen in temple tank, which was used to construct Sethu Bandanam from Rameswaram to Lanka.

Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Temple Palani, Tamil Nadu Thaipoosam/Thaipooyam : Today Thaipooyam is a famous festival for Muruga, celebrated in Tamil month of Thai & pooyam Nakshatra. Thaipoosam is celebrated in grand manner at Palani Muruga temple Located at Palani of Tamil Nadu this is a famous temple of Subramanya also one among 6 abodes ( Arupadai Veedu) of Shri Muruga. Vigraham is made of Nava Paashanam made by Bogar. This have high medicinal value which can cure any disease. When Muruga failed to win the divine fruit from Ganesha, he became angry & went to Palani and stood here. Paramashiva consoled him by saying he himself is very divine. Pazham Nee name later changed to Palani. Agasthya Muni asked an asura called Idumba to to carry two hills in his shoulders to be placed in the South to create balance in earth which was disturbed due to marriage of Shiva Parvati. The Asura carried hills down south and rested in a place. When he tried to lift one of the hills, it didn't m...

Saranatha Perumal Temple Thirucherai, Tamil Nadu One among the 108 Divya Desam, Saranatha Perumal Temple in Thirucherai is located in Tamil Nadu. Perumal is worshipped as Saranathan & thayar Saranayaki. Perumal is worshipped with 5 thayar here Sridevi, Boomidevi, Neela devi, Mahalakshmi and Sara Naayagi During the time of Maha Pralaya, Brahma Deva requested Mahavishnu to protect tools for Srishti together with vedas. Vishnu asked to put vedas in a strong mud pot. Finally Brahma Deva found mud from here, Thirucherai & saved all vedas from Pralay. Thus this place which gave strong mud to protect all vedas is called Sara Shetram. Temple is one of Pancha Sara Kshetrams (Saranathan, Sara Nayagi, Sara Vimanam, Sara Theertham and Sara Kshetram thus Pancha Saara Kshetram ) Azhagiya Manavala Naicker ruled Tanjore, planned to build a temple for Rajagopala swamy in Mannarkudi. He appointed a minister to get stones from all places. Minister a great devotee of Saranatha Perumal wanted a tem...

Subramaniya Swamy Temple Tiruchendur, Tamil Nadu Arulmigu Subramaniya Swamy Temple, Tiruchendur in Tamil Nadu is one among Arupadai Veedu ( 6 abodes) of Shri Muruga and also located at ground level near sea while all others are located on mountains. Historical name of the temple is Jayanthipuram. Sthala Puranam says that Tiruchendur Murugan destroyed asura Surapadman here. Parvati Devi gave Vel ayudham to Muruga, Surapadman who hide himself to tree was killed by Muruga using Vel ayudham. Soorasamharam is very famous which is celebrated as the last day of the auspicious . The day after Soorasamharam is celebrated as ‘Thirukalyanam’, which is the day when the marriage ceremony of Murugan and Devasena took place Om Saravanabhava

Bannari Amman Temple Erode, Tamil Nadu Bannari Amman Temple is located in Sathyamangalam, Erode Dt of Tamil Nadu. Devi is worshipped here as Mariamman a form of Ma Durga, one of the powerful Devi temple in TamilNadu. This place was once used as a place for grazing Cows. Cows fed the grass here and were taken for milking. One such cow didn't allow the owner for milking nor did it allowed calf to go near. Cowboy developed doubts and decided to watch that cow. When all other Cows went for grazing this one went alone near a Vengai tree and stood beneath it. Milk began to flow from automatically. The cow repeated this everyday & the villagers went to see the place and found an anthill. When they removed the anthill they found out Swayambhu Vigraham of Mariamman here. Thus temple was constructed here. Dhandanayakkan forest was called Bannari from which, this name Bannari came. Bannari soil is given as prasadam.  

Eri Katha Ramar Temple Madurantakam, Tamil Nadu Eri Katha Ramar temple is located at Madurantakam near Chengalpattu of Tamil Nadu. Beautiful Kodanda Ramar of about 8ft holding Ma Sita's hand and with Lakshmana. This temple is connected with Sri Ramanujar. Sri Ramanujar was on his way from Kanchipuram to meet Sri Periya Nambigal at Sri Rangam to become his disciple. Sri Periya Nambigal also started towards Kanchipuram to meet Ramanujar. They both met here at Madurantakam & Periya Nambigal performed Pancha Samskaaram to Ramanujar under Magizham tree here. Small Mandapam where Ramanujar undertook Pancha Samskaaram is seen in the temple. Separate sannidhi is for Periya Nambigal & Ramanujar & this is the only temple where Ramanujar is seen as a Grahastha (married person) and not in Sanyasa kolam. Story says about an incident which occurred during British rule. The Madurantakam lake bund was about to breach, due to heavy rain & village will be flooded if it happened. Dt c...

Vaidyanathar Temple Srivilliputhur, Tamil Nadu Vaidyanathar Temple is located in Madavar Vilagam near Srivilliputhur in Virudhunagar of TN. Paramashiva is worshipped as Vaidyanathar who can cure any disease. Parvathi Devi is Shivakami Amman here. Sthala Puranam says that, Once king Thirumalai Nayakar was suffering from severe stomach pain. Hearing about Vaidyanatha Swamy he arrived here & stayed for 48 days. He had food only after completing poojas in temple & was completely cured of disease. Temple tank is called Siddhamirtham which is believed to have Amrit. Taking a dip in this tank is said to relieve from all illness. Another story is about a pregnant lady who was a great Shiva Bhakt. She asked her mother to come to help her but her mother was unable to reach her. The lady herself started to walk to her mother's home But on the way developed labour pain. She called out for Paramashiva who came as her mother and helped in delivering child. Thus this temple is also f...

Srivilliputhur Andal Temple Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu Srivilliputhur Andal Temple, located in Virudhunagar of Tamil Nadu is one among 108 Divya Desam & birth place of Andal & Periazhwar. Mahavishnu worshipped as Vadapathrasayi & Devi as Andal. Temple gopuram is used as  State Emblem of TN. Sthala Puranam here is associated with Andal, who is one among 12 Azhwars. Story is like this, Periyazhvaar, a great scholar & ardent devotee of Mahavishnu. He used to make beautiful garlands to Mahavishnu daily. One day, while collecting  flowers, he found a small girl in the garden. Periyazhvaar named her Andal & brought her up as his own daughter. One day, he saw that the Garland was worn by Andal before adorning to Mahavishnu. Periazhwar got angry & warned her not to repeat this. That night Mahavishnu came to his dream & asked him not to get angry with Andal and  said that hereafter garland must be first worn by Andal. Mahavishnu also adviced Periazhwar to...

Sri Vidya Rajagopalaswamy Mannargudi, Tamil Nadu Mannarkudi Rajagopalaswamy temple, also called Raja Mannargudi, Vasudeva Puri, Dakshina Dwaraka. Moolavar is Paravasudeva Perumal & Senkamala Thayar. Utsavar Rajagopalaswamy with Rukmini & Sathyabhama. Sthala Puranam says that Perumal came here for two rishis Sri Gopralaya & Gopila. Both rishis went to Dwaraka for Krishna Darshan but by that time Dwaraka was fully submerged & Krishna advices them to pray at Shenbagaranyam (forest of Shenbaga flowers) so this templeis also called Champakaranya Kshetram. Perumal first came as Paravasudevar & then Rajagopalar. Beautiful murthy, whom we cannot take our eyes from him wearing a half dhoti, holding a whip (chendu) in right hand in the company of cows and calves, all lovingly gazing at his lotus face. Temple Pushkarini is Haridra Nadhi. Story is about Shri Krishna & Gopis where a competition is held, whoever finishes bath & wears all ornaments will win. When Krishna s...

Varadaraja Perumal Kovil Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu Varadharaja Perumal Kovil, located in Kanchipuram District of Tamil Nadu is one among 108 Divya Deshams. Mahavishnu is worshipped here as Varadaraja Perumal & Devi as Peundevi Thayaar. Moolavar is Nindra thirukolam( standing). Sthala Puranam says that, Brahma Deva was advised to do Ashwamedha Yagnam here because, doing 1 yaagam here is equal to koti yaagam. While performing yagam Brahma failed to invite Saraswathi Devi, which made her angry. Devi came here as Vegavathi river to destroy Yaagam. Brahma Deva prayed to Mahavishnu who came and reclined here to stop the river & thus Yagam was completed & Mahavishnu came in Punyakoti Vimanam & resided here. Brahma did Prathista of Mahavishnu made of Athi tree. Perumal is Varadarajar means He who bestows all wishes. Utsava murti of Varadarajar emerged from yajna kuntam. Murty has scars on face as came from Yajna. The Vigraham which Brahma did Prathista is kept in Temple Pond Anan...

Thirumanancheri Temple Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu Thirumanancheri Temple is located in Mayiladuthurai District of Tamil Nadu. Paramashiva is Kalyanasundareswarar & Parvathi Devi as Kokilambal. Temple is very famous Parihara Sthalam for Marriage related issues. It is believed that Paramashiva married Parvati Devi here. Thirumanan means marriage. Thirumanancheri refers to the place where marriages take place. Story says that once Parvati expressed her wish to get married to Paramashiva in Earth. As a result Devi took the form of cow. Mahavishnu, Devi's brother took the form of cowherd to protect her. From the divine fire of Bharata muni ashram, Devi transformed to her original form and thus divine marriage between Paramashiva and Parvathi Devi took place here. It is also believed that, during the marriage of Paramashiva and Parvathi Devi, Agasthya Muni came here and did Prathista of Vigraham. Parihara poojas to remove marriage related issues are very common here and after marriag...

Amirthakadeshwarar Temple Thirukadaiyur, Tamil Nadu Amirthakadeshwarar Temple is situated at Thirukadaiyur in Tamil Nadu. Paramashiva is Swayambhu here as Amirthakadeshwarar and Parvathi Devi as Abhirami Amman. Temple is one among Paadal Petra Sthalam. Sthala Puranam says that while Devas & Asuras  found the Amirtham from Parkadal, they forgot to worship Vigneswara. Ganesha who got angry with this took Amritha Kalasham & came here. Amirtha kalasam became Shivalingam & thus Paramashiva is Amirtha kadeshwarar. Vinayagar is known by Kallavinayagar here. Markandeya was born to Mrikandu and Marudmati after many years of Tapasya. Markandeya was an exemplary son but it was said that he will live only upto 16years. A great Shiva Bhaktha Markandeya always prayed here at Thirukadaiyur. At the age of 16 When Yama came to take Markandeya, he embraced Shivalingam tightly. Shiva appeared as Kalasamhara Murthy and protected Markandeya here. Temple is very famous Sthalam for Shatyabdap...

Thiyagarajaswamy Temple Chennai, Tamil Nadu Arulmigu Thiyagarajaswamy Temple at Chennai of Tamil Nadu, is one among Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam, where Moovar, Appar, Thirugnanasambandar &Sundarar has sung hyms. Shiva is Adipureeswarar / Thiyagarajar & Parvathi Devi, Vadivudai Amman. Vadivudai Amman sannidhi is one among 51 Shakti Peethas. Paramashiva is Swayambhu lingam in the form of an Ant hill. Sthala Puranam says that during the time of Maha Pralayam, Paramashiva took the form of a huge fire to make water recede, and stayed here as Swayambu lingam under a Makizha tree. It is said that this is the first (Adhi in Tamil) Swayambu lingam that appeared in the earth after the Pralayam & thus Shiva is  Adhipureeswarar. It is said that to fight with Madhu and Kaidaba, Mahavishnu worshipped Shiva here, and brought back all the Vedas from them at this place. There are two sannidhi for Shiva, Sri Adipureeswarar & other for Sri Otreeswarar, two separate sannidhi for Devi Vad...

Abhirami Amman Temple Thirukkadaiyur, Tamil Nadu Abhirami Amman Sannidhi at Amritaghateswarar temple is situated at Thirukadavur of Tamilnadu. Amritha Ghata Eswarar means who gives moksham. Abhirami means She who is attractive in every moment of time. Abhirami Amman fulfills wishes of all her devotees. Story of Abhirami Bhattar is very famous, who was a great devotee. His original name is Subramanian. Bhattar will sit hours infront of Amman without any other thoughts. One day King Sarabhoji visited the temple & he saw Abhirama Bhattar in Devi Upasana. Raja asked him what is he praying to on this Amavasya day. Bhattar who was seeing only Devi's face which is shining brightly told that it is Pournami. King was angry at this and he told that he will be beheaded if Moon did not appear that day. Abirami Pattar realized what he said and prayed to Devi to protect him as he answered them in her thoughts. Bhattar was made to sit in a platform tied with ropes and fire was lit down. He st...

Sthanumalayan Temple Suchindram, Tamil Nadu Sthanumalayan or Thanumalayan Temple Is located in Suchindram district of Kanyakumari. Trimurthis are worshipped here, Sthanumalayan refers as Sthanu means Paramashiva, Mal means Mahavishnu, Ayan means Bramha. Sthala Puranam says that Indra Deva got relieved from a curse after praying to Shivalingam here. Suchi means purify, and Suchindram means place where everything is purified. It is said that Indra deva visits & does pooja here everyday at night. Another story is about Atri Muni and his Anasuya Devi. Anasuya Devi was highly devoted wife. One day Trimurthis came like Brahmins to test her. Devi treated them with utmost care without knowing who they were. But the Brahmins told her that they will accept food only if she serve without her clothing. With Pati bhakti Anasuya Devi converted all the 3 Brahmins to small kids and thus she gave the infant her milk. Atri Muni returned with Parvathy, Lakshmi and Saraswathi Devi and An...

Nellaiappar Temple Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu Arulmigu Nellaiappar Temple is located in Thirunelveli of Tamil Nadu. Temple is 1 among Paadal Petra Sthalam, also 1 among Pancha Sabha which represent Tamira Sabha. Temple is famous for music pillar and architecture. Paramashiva is worshipped here as Nellaiappar & Devi as Kanthimathi/Gandhimath Amman. This place was once a bamboo forest & a milkman named Rama Konar used to give milk to the palace. While walking through forest he stumbled upon something and fell down with entire milk. This incident happened at the same place everyday. When Maharaja asked the reason Konar describes this. Raja tries to clear the bamboo but blood came while using axe. Maharaja builts a temple here to Shivalingam which is present Nellaiappar. Another story is about Veda Sharma who was a Devotee of Paramashiva. Using paddy which he collect, and water from river he used to do poojas daily. One day, when he was drying the paddy which he had collected it start...

Thiruvanparisaram (Thirupathisaram) Temple Kanyakumari, Tamilnadu Thiruvanparisaram Thiru Kovil is located in Kanyakumari District. Temple is one among the 108 Divya Desham. Mahavishnu is worshipped here as Thiruvazhmarban and Lakshmi Devi as Kamalavalli. Many stories are related here. Vibheeshana, after attending the Ramar Pattabhishekam was gifted Ranga Vimanam which he had to place at Srirangam. On the way back to Lanka,Vibhishana is said to have visited and prayed here wishing Shri Rama darshan. Mahavishnu gave darshan as Shri Rama, thus Rama, Mata Sita, Lakshmana are seen near Moolavar. Another story is about King Kulasekhara came here where his horse got lost. While searching he found horse at Soma Theertham, Koil Theertham. It is said that Kulasekhara worshipped Perumal and built the temple here and named it Thiruvanparisaram. Thiru means respect, Vazh means live, and Marban, Heart. Mahavishnu is believed to have held Lakshmi Devi by her heart here, thus worshipped as Thiruvazhm...

Kumari Amman Temple Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu Kumari Amman Temple located in Kanyakumari is one among 52 Shakthi Peethas also one among 108 Durgalayas of which Prathista is done by Parasurama. It is believed that the spine area of Sati Devi fell here. Kumari Amman is a form of Parvathi Devi, worshipped as Kanya. Sthala Puranam is related to Banasura, who had defeated Indra Deva, got a wish that he can be killed only by a Kanya. Adi Parashakthi too the form of Kanya and did Tapasya to marry Paramashiva. Marriage was fixed on the auspicious time at Brahma Muhurtam.  Paramashiva waited for the Muhurtam at Sucheendram. Narada Muni who knew that if Devi is married Banasura cannot be defeated, took the form of a cock and made everyone realize Sun had risen.  Paramashiva went back and Saddened Devi decided to remain Kanya here. Banasura himself came here, tried to approach Kumari without realizing who she was. Thus Banasura was destroyed by Kumari Amman Devi's Mookuthi ( ...

Thillai Natarajar Temple Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu Chidambaram Temple is one among Pancha Bhoota Sthalam which represents SKY. Paramashiva is worshipped as Natarajar, his cosmic dance here. Sri Govindaraja Perumal one among Divya Deshams is situated inside this temple. Temple is located at the Center Point of Equator. Chidambaram temple is based like Human Body, has 9 Entrances denoting 9 Openings. 4 pillars holding the Kanagasabha representing the 4 Vedas.  Temple roof is of 21600 gold sheets which denotes, breaths taken by a humans every day.  These sheets are fixed on the Gopuram using 72000 gold nails which denote the total no. of Naadis (Nerves) in humans.  Ponnambalam is placed slightly tilted towards the left, which represents our Heart.  To reach this, we need to climb 5 steps called Panchatshara padi Chidambara Rahasyam is shown during Aarati time. It is hidden by a curtain (Maya). Priests open the curtain for poojas. We can see golden vilva leaves. It is said...