Shistagurunathar - The Lord Who Blessed Sundarar with Divine Wisdom, Thiruthuraiyur Shiva Temple

Lord Shiva initiated Sundara Moorthy Nayanar in Thiruvennainallur to sing his first thevaram song. After this transformation, Sundarar started exploring and visiting Shiva temples. He was on his way to Thiruthuraiyur when river Pennar came as an obstacle. Lord Shiva and Parvathi came as old couple and offered help to him by ferrying in a small boat. After reaching the other shore of the river, the old couple vanished and Sundarar could not locate them anywhere. At that moment, a divine voice directed him to reach this temple from where he had the Darshan of Lord Shiva along with Parvathi. In this temple, Lord Shiva taught Sundarar the principles of Saivism and the way to attain divine union with Him. Lord Ganesha was the witness for this discourse, this scene is depicted as painting as well as sculptures inside the temple premise.

Main Praharam

Sundarar composed one pathigam (collection of ten songs) on this temple. Also, Lord Muruga in this temple has been sung by the saint Arunagirinathar. Vishnu, Brahma, Rama, Sage Agastiya, Bheema and Sita also have worshipped the Lord here.

Lord Shiva Imparting Divine Wisdom with Ganesha as Testimony

Lord Siva: Shistagurunathar, Pasupatheeswarar, Thavaneriyappar

Ambal (Goddess): Poongkothai Nayagi, Sivaloka Nayagi

Lord Shiva and Parvathi Giving Darshan to Sundarar

How to reach – Coming from Chennai, NH 36 branches off from Vikravandi (after the toll gate). On this highway continue until you reach the place Kandarakottai, from there take the road on the right which leads to Thiruthuraiyur.  Another famous Paadal Petra Sthalam Panangattur is situated closed to Vikravandi. Both the temples are covered in one trip.

Temple is open from 7 am to 11 am and from 5 pm to 8 pm daily.

Tamil version of this is available in my YouTube channel

Margabandeeswar, the Lord Who Absolved the Curse of Brahma, Virinjipuram Shiva Temple

This 1300+ years old Shiva temple is well known for its beautiful Rajagopurams (Temple tower) and sculptures.  This is the place where Brahma worshipped Lord Shiva and get his curse absolved. The theertham of this temple is said to be produced by Gowri devi and so, this place is also known as Gowripuram; Vishnupuram and Margabandheeswaram are also the other names of the place.

•   Appar, Gnanasambandar and Sundarar have sung in praise of this temple. But the corresponding Pathigam (Thevaram Song) is not available, probably one among the many songs that have been lost. Hence this temple does not appear under the current list of Thevara Paadal Petra Sthalams.
•   Lord Muruga in this temple has been sung by Arunagirinathar.
•  This temple figures in Arunachala puranam, Kanchipuranam and in Brahmandapuranam.
•  Oldest temple in the Vellore district
•  Gowri Devi, Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Sriharan had worshipped here
• This temple is one among the Baskara Kshetram where the Sun God is said to have worshipped the lord.
• This is the birth place of Sri Appayya Dikshithar who composed the Margabandhu stotram on this Margabandheeswarar for the protection of people while on journey.

Majestic Rajagopuram 

This temple is located in Virinjipuram about 18 kms from Vellore bus stand. In the Chennai-Bangalore highway, after Vellore bypass, proceed for another 15 Km till a place called Sedhuvalai and turn right for Virinchipuram. The temple is about a km from the Sedhuvalai junction.

As per the legend, Brahma and Vishnu set out to find the head and foot of Lord Shiva respectively when He appeared before them in the lingodhbhava form of a long column of light extending vertically. Vishnu took the form of a boar and kept digging down the earth but could not find the feet of the Lord which he had acknowledged. However, Brahma while he was searching for the head of the Lord chose to say a lie that he found the Lord’s head whereas he could not. Infuriated by this, Lord Shiva cursed Brahma.

Because of this curse, Lord Brahma was born in Virinjipuram as Shivasarma in a priest family. Unfortunately, Shivasarma’s father passed away suddenly and therefore the little boy was forced to take the temple Pooja responsibilities which his father earlier was taking care. If the boy is unable to take up this responsibility they will lose their property and their livelihood. Deeply worried by this state, Shivasarma’s mother prayer to Lord Shiva and He appeared in her dream instructing her to come to the temple tank along with Shivasarma the next day. As guided by the Lord, she went to the temple tank and Lord Shiva in the form of an old man came there and initiated the boy to conduct Pooja and all the necessary knowledge was transferred to him. To everybody’s great astonishment, the little boy Shivasarma conducted the Pooja in a great manner, during the Pooja the little boy could not reach the top of the Shiva lingam to adorn them with flowers. Hence, the Lord Himself has tilted to accommodate the height of the boy. With this, Brahma’s curse got absolved. Even now, we could see that the Lingam in the temple is slightly inclined to the right.

As per another legend, Dhanabalan, a pepper merchant lost his goods to thieves. He prayed to Lord Shiva and He came as a soldier on a horse and not only retrieved the pepper loads but also accompanied Dhanabalan till Kanchipuram. Due to this He is called ‘Vazhi Thunai Nathar’ in Tamil and Margabandu in Sanskrit (Marga meaning way and Bandhu meaning company)

Open from 6 am to 11 am and from 4 pm to 8 pm every day.

Lord Siva: Margabandheeswarar.

Ambal (Goddess): Maragathambikai

Sthala Vriksham : Palm Tree

Theertham : Simha Theertham, Sooli Theertham and Brahma Theertham

The main shrine of the temple is said to have been built by Raja Raja Chola, Sambara Rayan, the viceroy of Klothunga Chola. Nandhi Vikrama Pallava, Rajendra Chola, Paranthaha Chola, Kobarakesari Varman and Vijayanagara kings – Narayana Sambuvarayar, Achutharayar, Devarayar have all contributed significantly to this temple

Travel Guide - Paadal Petra Sthalams in and around Kanchipuram

There are nine significant Shiva temples (Paadal Petra Sthalams) in and around Kanchipuram that are revered in Thevaram. All these temples can be visited in a day, based on my travel experience the optimal sequence (based on distance and temple open timings) of the pilgrimage is suggested below. This sequence is suitable for those travelling from Chennai/Vellore or from any other place approaching Kanchipuram through Chennai Bangalore National Highway. This plan is based on private mode of transportation like car/auto, if using public transportation it may not be possible cover all the locations in a day since the frequency and coverage of public transport is limited. The other option is to use public transport until Kanchipuram bus stand and from there cab or auto can be hired. Kanchipuram is well connected from Chennai and many other cities of Tamil Nadu. Overall distance for the round trip upto Kanchipuram bus stand is approximately 105 kms. Please share to others.

1. Kanchipuram-Kachi Neri Karaikadu – Sathyanatha Swamy Temple

Location/ Directions	Thirukalimedu which is 2 kms from Kanchipuram bus stand
Distance/Time	2 kms, 10 mins travel.
Temple Timings	7 am to 1 pm, 4 pm to 7 pm
Sugg. Visit Time	7 am
Lord Siva	Sathyanatha Swamy, Sathya viradheswarar, Karai Thirunadheswarar
Ambal	Brahmambigai
Sung by	Thirugnanasambandar
Significance Suyambu (self-manifested) lingam with a coarse and slight reddish texture, it is said that the colour of the lingam changes in accordance with the prevailing social conditions. Indra, the lord of the devas worshipped here and created a tank – Indra theetham. This temple is also famous for Budhan (planet mercury), those who have unfavorable position of Budhan in their horoscope can seek the grace of the Lord Shiva by worshipping on Wednesday. Powered by Google Maps

2. Makaral-Thiru Makaraleswarar Temple

Location/ Directions	This temple is located on the Kanchipuram--Uthiramerur route at a place called Makaral.  From Thirukalimedu, Uthiramerur road can be reached via Amudhapadi back street. Keep contuining crossing Orikkai and Kuruvimalai.After crossing Melperamanallur bus stop, Uthiramerur road turns sharp right. At this junction,  take left to reach the temple
Distance/Time	15 kms from previous point, 30 mins drive
Temple Timings	7:30 am to 12 pm, 5 pm to 8 pm
Sugg.Visit Time	8 am
Lord Siva	Makaraleswarar, Adaikalamkatha nathar,Udumbeesar
Ambal	Thiribhuvana nayaki
Sung by	Thirugnanasambandar – 1
Significance Unique Siva lingam in the form of tail of a monitor lizard (Udumbu in Tamil, hence one of the name is Udumbeesar). Offering prayers is said to alleviate the fear of death; childless couple are graced with a child. As per the legend, Brahma created a lingam here and worshipped the lord for the redemption of His curse.  While returning back to Brahmaloka, Brahma created a Jack fruit tree that would produce delicious jack fruit every day. Rajendra Chola, son of Raja raja Chola made an arrangement in such a way that these fruits will be offered to Lord Nataraja in Chidambaram everyday and later delivered to the King’s palace as the prasadham. This continued for a few period of time. One of the workmen associated with this task of transporting jack fruits found it hard to repeat every day and he felled the jack fruit tree and fled away fearing the wrath of the king. Rajendra chola was extremely disappointed and he himself set forth in search of the missing person along with some of his guards. While the search was going on, the King spotted a monitor lizard with a golden hue running towards a bush. He sent his guards to hunt the monitor lizard and blood started gushing from its tail due to the attack. At this point, the King fainted and soon after his recovery, he was made to realize by a cosmic voice that the monitor Lizard is none other than the Lord himself and expanded this temple construction as per the divine impulse. If this temple is visited during Abhishekham time, we can see the complete tail form of the Lingam. Powered by Google Maps

3. Kanchipuram-Kuranganilmuttam - Thiru Valeeswarar Temple

Location/ Directions	From Makaral, retrace the route back on Uthiramerur road towards Kuruvimalai. At kuruvimalai, there will be a bridge and just before the brdige, there will be a small road on the left side which needs to be taken. From this point, the road will be narrow and winding upto the destination. Keep contuining until you reach the Pallava caves (one of the ASI monument), from this point the temple is within 200 metres.
Distance/Time	15 kms from previous point, 30 min drive
Temple Timings	7 am to 10 am, 4 pm to 7 pm. Avoid travelling after sunset since the roads are narrow and poorly lit making navigation difficult.
Sugg. Visit Time	9 am
Lord Siva	Valeeswarar, Koyyamalai nathar
Ambal	Irayar Valaiammai
Sung by	Thirugnanasambandar – 1
Significance Vali (brother of Sughriva), Indra and Yama worshipped Lord Siva in this temple in the form of Monkey, Squirrel and Crow respectively. Hence the name Kuranganilmuttam – Kurangu (Monkey form – Vali) + Anil (Squirrel form – Indra)+ Muttam (Crow form – Yama). The temple tank – Kakkai theertham is said to be created by Yama himself when he had assumed the crow form. Powered by Google Maps

4. Cheyyar -Vedapureeswarar Temple

Location/ Directions	From Kuranganilmuttam, travel to Dusi village which is about 1.5 kms in the west. Turn left onto Kanchipuram - Tiruvannamali road, after travelling 5.5 kms you will reach Indian Bank Mangal cross road, take right turn towards Cheyyar - Kanchipuram road. At the end of this road, take left turn on Cheyyar road to reach the temple via Gandhi road.
Distance/Time	27 kms from previous point, 45 mins drive.
Temple Timings	6 am to 12 pm, 4 pm to 8:30 pm
Sugg.Visit Time	10:15 am
Lord Siva	Vedhapureeswarar, Vedhanathar
Ambal	Balakusambigai, Ilamulainayagi
Sung by	Thirugnanasambandar - 1
Significance Lord Siva bestowed the vedic knowledge to Devas and Sages, hence He is known as Vedhapureeswar. Nandi in this temple does not face the lord, instead facing towards the entrance of the temple.  Lord Muruga worshipped His father in this shrine. Thirugnanasambandar while visiting this temple did a miracle of converting male Palmyra tree (Panai Tree in tamil) into female tree on the request of a staunch devotee who lived here. Powered by Google Maps

5. Thiruppanangadu Thalapureeswarar Temple

Location/ Directions	From Gandhi road, drive towards Cheyyar road (right turn at toll gate bus stop). Pass by devi theatre and turn left towards SH5. After about 7 km take right turn and keep continuing till Arcot-Kanchipuram road.After 6 kms turn left and keep continuing till we reach Thiruppanangadu, from there take a right turn to reach the temple at 2 kms
Distance/Time	24 kms from previous point, 45 mins drive
Temple Timings	7 am to 12 pm, 5 pm to 8 pm
Sugg. Visit Time	11:30 am
Lord Siva	Panankattu eswarar, Thalapureeswarar,Krubanadheswarar
Ambal	Amirtavalli, Krubanayagi
Sung by	Sundarar - 1
Significance On entering the temple, you can see two temples each with its own set of Nandi, Altar and Sanctum. On the right side is Krubanadheswarar, and on the left is Thalapureeswarar. Similarly there are two Ambal shrines. Thalapureeswarar lingam was founded by Sage Agastya while he was alone in the southern part of the world when all others were in the northern part during the Lord Siva’s marriage. Krubhanadheswarar lingam was founded by sage Pulastya, the disciple of Agastya. Hence it is a custom to first worship Thalapuleeswarar and then Krubhanadheswarar. Powered by Google Maps

After you finish dharshan in this temple, it will be almost 12:30 PM and the temples would be closed .till at least 4 pm. Hence lunch break and rest can be taken during this time slot There are no hotels available in Thirupanangadu, hence you can proceed directly to Ekambareswarar temple where good hotels are available in the nearby vicinity.

6. Kanchipuram - Ekambareswarar Temple

Location/ Directions	From Thirupanangadu village, take the Arcot-Kanchipuram and after about 7 kms take the left into Arcot-kanchipuram after passing TMPPL. Keep contuining until thayarkulam st and take right and again left unto Pachaiyappan street. Keep contuining to reach the temple.
Distance/Time	18 kms from the previous point, 40 mins drive
Temple Timings	6 am to 12:30 pm, 4 pm to 8:30 pm
Sugg. Visit Time	4 pm
Lord Siva	Ekambareswarar
Ambal	Kamatchi Amman
Sung by	Appar – 7, Thirugnanasambandar – 4, Sundarar - 1
Significance This magnificent temple is crown among all the Siva temples in Kanchipuram. One among the pancha bootha sthalams (5 temples dedicated to elements) representing the earth. Lingam in the main sanctum is made of sand. As per the legend, Parvati once closed the eyes of Lord Siva playfully because of which the entire universe went in dark. However, He restored the light by opening the third eye. He instructed Parvati Devi to go to earth and do a penance on Him to absolve Herself from the sin resulting due to hardship caused to the lives existing in the universe. Paying respect to the Lord’s command, She came to Kanchipuram, created a Siva lingam out of sand from Kamba river bank and started severe penance. After some point in time, there was a heavy flood in the river and water level rapidly rose. Parvati completely embraced the Lingam and protected from being washed away by the flood. This flood was caused by Lord Himself to show the world the greatness of Parvati’s penance. Lord appeared and married Her, the divine mother started gracing as Kamatchi Amman in Kanchipuram. It is said that the Siva lingam still bears the impressions created by Her while embracing. Powered by Google Maps

7. Kanchipuram-Onakkandhan Thali Temple

Location/ Directions	Panjupettai Big Street
Distance/Time	1.4 kms from Ekambareswarar temple on the back side. 5 mins drive.
Temple Timings	7 am to 9 am, 5 pm to 7 pm
Sugg. Visit Time	5:15 pm
Lord Siva	Oneswarar,Kandheswarar,Salandheswarar
Ambal	Kamatchi Amman
Sung by	Sundarar - 1
Significance Asuras – Onan and Kandhan worshipped the lord here for their redemption, hence the name Onakkandhanthali. There are three sanctums and three lingams, the first one located directly in line with the entrance is a great sight to behold. Lingam is quite big with thick bands of Vibhudi adorning. Sundarar prayed to this Lord for bestowing wealth on him, his pathigam on this temple is set in a humorous tone mildly criticizing the Lord for not giving him wealth. Powered by Google Map

8. Kanchipuram-Kachi Anegathangapadheswarar Temple

Location/ Directions	From Onakandhanthali temple, left turn into Panjupettai st and after reaching the main road turn left into Kanchipuram-Tirupati highway. Turn left at Oli Muhammed Pettai Jumma masjid and keep continuing till you turn right at Sathankuttai street.Keep going until you turn right at Kailasanathar temple to reach the temple.
Distance/Time	2.2 kms from the previous point, 15 mins drive
Temple Timings	7 am to 10 am, 5 pm to 7 pm
Sugg. Visit Time	6 pm
Lord Siva	Anegathangapadheswarar
Ambal	Kamatchi Amman
Sung by	Sundarar - 1
Significance Lord Ganesha created the Shiva lingam and worshipped. It is said that Kubera also have worshipped here. This temple has been mentioned in Kanchipuranam.

Note: - Kailasanathar temple is about 100 metres away from the temple, yet another great temple and a must visit. This temple is about 100 years and was build by Narasimha pallava ,has a huge Siva lingam almost in the size of Thanjavur Brahadeeswarar temple. Also inside the main sanctum there is a narrow passage circumambulating the Lord, the entry point on the left represents the death and exit point on the right represents the birth.

9. Kanchipuram-Thiru Metrali Nathar temple

Location/ Direction	Proceed east on Kailasanathar road and turn right at raja cafe into Krishnan street. Keep continuing and turn right at Thirugnanasambandar temple into Metrali street to reach the temple.
Distance/Time	1.5 km from the previous point, 10 mins drive
Temple Timings	7 am to 12 pm, 5 pm to 9 pm
Sugg. Visit Time	7:30 pm
Lord Siva	Thirumetralinathar
Ambal	Kamatchi Amman
Sung by	Appar – 1, Sundarar - 1
Significance Lord Vishnu once wanted to attain the Linga form and Lord Siva told that His desire will be fulfilled when Thirugnanasambandar visits this shrine. Subsequently Lord Vishnu was on a long penance praying to the Suyambu lingam here, Thirugnanasambandar during his visit was singing the praise of the Lord. Listening to the soulful rendering of Sambandar, Lord Vishnu slowly transformed himself into the Linga form except His foot. This is the only temple where you can see the Linga form of Vishnu and also His lotus feet in front of the lingam. In front of the temple entrance, on the other end of street is a small temple dedicated to Thirugnanasambandar. Powered by Google Maps

Overall Route Map - approx 105 kms

Map can be downloaded using this link 

Kanchipuram Paadal Petra Sthalam Route Map

Powered by Google Maps

Abirameswarar Shiva Temple – Thiruvamathur (near Villupuram)

This temple signifies Lord Shiva offering protection to Cows as a mother. This paadal petra sthalam has been praised by Thirugnanasambandar, Appar and Sundarar as well. The very existence of cows were in great peril because of the attacks from wild animals, Lord Shiva offered protection to them by providing horns to them. To commemorate this, there is a hoof like mark on the Shiv linga in the main sanctum.

There are two separate temples on either side of the road, one for Shiva and the other one for his consort.  Rama worshipped the Shiva here on his way to Lanka and hence the Lord is called as Abirameswarar. This is also the shrine where sage Bhringi got absolved of his curse. Bhringi used to worship only Lord Shiva and completely ignored Shakti because of which she cursed him to become a Vanni tree.

In the amman temple just opposite to the main temple, there is a circular stone, as per the legend Rama made a pact with king Sugriva in this place before going to Sri Lanka. Hence this stone is referred as stone of oath and it is believed that those who make false statements in the presence of the stone will face bad consequences. Another story which is being told supports this belief – once there were two brothers in a nearby village and the elder one due to his greediness, retained their ancestral property completely for himself without giving anything for his younger brother. Aggrieved by this injustice, the younger brother made a complaint to the village elders and they asked the elder brother to come and make a promise before the circular stone. Aware that this oath taking will be compelled on him, prior to making the promise, the elder brother transformed the plundered wealth into gold and hid them in a walking stick kind of arrangement. Just before making the promise, he momentarily transferred his walking stick to his younger brother, made the promise that he does not have the wealth with him right now and immediately got the stick from his younger brother.  Villagers did not have an option other than accepting the promise and let him go. The elder brother was feeling happy that he had smartly deceived everybody including the Lord. But his happiness was short lived, he was bitten by a highly venomous snake and killed at about 10 kms from this temple. Integrity is always the best policy, promptly reinforced by Devi Herself.

Lord Siva: Abirameswarar , Azhagiya nathar

Ambal (Goddess): Muthambigai, Azhagiya nayagi

Meenakshi Sundareswarar Shiva Temple – Ammankurichy

This beautiful Shiva temple is located in Ammankurichy, a small and serene hamlet near Pudukottai. This is one among the proud monuments of India belonging to Madurai Nayak Dynasty period (1529 to 1736 AD) and has been enlisted under protected monuments of Archeological Survey of India.

There are two separate shrines for Chokkanathar, the presiding deity and for Meenakshi, His consort. Both these deities resemble the Madurai Chokkanathar and Meenakshi, hence a devotional feel of having Darshan at Madurai could be felt.  On the intersection of these shrines, beautifully carved stone statues of Nayak kings and their queens worshipping the Lord could be seen. The king responsible for construction of this temple is Poochi Nayakar. On each pillar of the temple we could see the lifelike sculptures of Ganesha, Shiva in dancing pose, Kali and other deities. On the back side of the temple premise (inner praharam), there is a small shrine for Lord Subramanya. On the left side of the entrance to the temple, there is a stone slab containing inscriptions that talks about Poochi Nayakar king and the endowments he offered to the temple. The outer praharam of the temple is styled in the pattern of Thanjavur temple, a big banyan tree at the main entrance to the temple adds to the elegance of the temple.

Either Tiruchirapalli or Pudukottai can be the base for visiting this temple. From Tircuhirapalli, buses plying to Ponnamaravathi can be boarded to reach Ammankurichy. Pudukottai district in total contains 58 monuments enlisted in ASI (http://www.asichennai.gov.in/trichy_sub_circle.html) and is a great haven for anyone interested in Archeology and historical studies. This list contains an interesting mix of Siva, Vishnu and Jain temples.

Sivaloka Thiagesar Shiva Temple – Thirunallur Perumanam (Achalpuram)

This temple is located at Achalpuram (15 kms from Chidambaram) and has very special events associated with it – one is Thirugnanasambandar got married as per the wishes of his parents in this temple and the other is he attained mukthi along with his parents and relatives. During Sambandar’s marriage, divine mother Parvati herself took the role of inviting people who flocked the temple and distributed Vibhuti (sacred ash) to them. To commemorate this, even now in the Ambal temple inside the premises, Vibhuti is offered to devotees as against the norm of offering Kumkum. After the marriage, it is said that Siva Jyothi appeared in the temple and Sambandar along with his relatives and four more nayanmars entered the Jyothi to remain in eternal bliss with Lord Siva. This Paadal Petra Sthalam has been sung by Sambandar (2 pathigams).

Close to Achalpuram, there is a village called Nallur and it is said that the marriage procession of Sambandar started from this place. There is a temple dedicated to Lord Rama – Sundara Kothandaramar temple, worshipping in this temple is believed to remove the obstacles in marriage. This temple is also worth visiting but unfortunately it’s in a dilapidated condition.

On the Chidambaram-Sirkazhi road, immediately after crossing the kollidam bridge, there will be a road branching to the left. The temple is about 5 kms on this road. There is another paadal petra sthalam- Mahendrapalli at about 6 kms from this temple. Both the temples can be covered in the same visit. Bus bound for Mahendrapalli from Sirkazhi or Chidambaram can be taken but the frequency is very limited. It will be better to have a private transport arranged from Chidambaram.

Open from 6 am to 12 pm and from 4:30 pm to 8 pm every day.

Lord Siva: Sivaloka Thiagesar, Perumanamudaya Mahadevar.

Ambal (Goddess): Thiruvenneetru Umaiammai, Swetha Vibhuthi Nayagi.

Sthala Vriksham : Maa (Mango tree)

Theertham : 11 theerthams