Thiruvanmiyur Marundeeswarar Temple History

As per the Legends, Valmiki, the Author of The Ramayana in Sanskrit attained Salvation here after worshipping Lord Tyagaraja. Valmiki who longed to give up the mortal coils approached Sage Markandeya, who told him of the glories of Siva and asked to go around the world. Valmiki was told that he will worship Siva in the place where he hears the sound "Asariri" which means "I am here". While wandering in the forests, Valmiki is said to have heard the words in this place. Valmiki worshipped Lord Siva here and attained salvation, hence the name Vanmiyur. Siva granted his boon that the place should be called after his devotee. It was on the full moon day in the month of Panguni, the boon was granted. 

The Lord is said to have derived the name from having blessed Sage Agasthya with a knowledge of all herbs and plants for medical purpose. Sage Agasthya is said to have had the vision of Lord Siva and Goddess Parvati in Kalyana Utsavam (in marriage) here. The deity is called Palvanna Nathar, which was derived from the Purana that Kamadhenu , the heavenly cow cursed by Sage Vasishta was relieved of her sins by dripping milk on the Linga. While Kamadhenu was dripping milk on the Linga, a lion came in the form of a cow to attack Kamadhenu. When the latter fought with the Lion in disguise, its hoofs are said to have struck on the Linga and the scars of the smitten Linga are said to be found even today. 

Mahabalipuram Temple History

This place must have been built between the 2nd and 5th Centuries AD. Cholas made Kancheepuram as the Capital in 5th Century and ruled the region. Elanthirayan, the Chola prince, who sailed from Manipallava, an island off Ceylon, had Kanchi as his capital. While sailing in the ship, it was wrecked on the high seas and he reached the shore by swimming and came to Kanchi. The shore which he reached the shore by swimming perhaps named Kadamallai. He had developed into a big port. It flourished so till the 7th and 8th centuries. Thereafter the sea might have swept on the lands and many parts might have been swept off. Temples might have gone into sea sometime between 1070-1117 AD. 

Siva Temple on the shore was built in the 7th Century. It is only during Pallava period that hills were cut out, rocks were carved in and monoliths were heaped in artistic shapes. An Inscription says that the temple was called "Kshatriya Simha Pallaveswaram". Rajasimha Pallaveswaram temple was built by Rajasimha Pallava during 690-710 AD.

Mahabalipuram Temple History

This place must have been built between the 2nd and 5th Centuries AD. Cholas made Kancheepuram as the Capital in 5th Century and ruled the region. Elanthirayan, the Chola prince, who sailed from Manipallava, an island off Ceylon, had Kanchi as his capital. While sailing in the ship, it was wrecked on the high seas and he reached the shore by swimming and came to Kanchi. The shore which he reached the shore by swimming perhaps named Kadamallai. He had developed into a big port. It flourished so till the 7th and 8th centuries. Thereafter the sea might have swept on the lands and many parts might have been swept off. Temples might have gone into sea sometime between 1070-1117 AD. 

Siva Temple on the shore was built in the 7th Century. It is only during Pallava period that hills were cut out, rocks were carved in and monoliths were heaped in artistic shapes. An Inscription says that the temple was called "Kshatriya Simha Pallaveswaram". Rajasimha Pallaveswaram temple was built by Rajasimha Pallava during 690-710 AD.

Vadaranyeswarar Tiruvalangadu Temple

As per the Legends, the Sage Sunanda of the Himalayas desired ardently to witness the divine dance of Lord Siva. Lord was pleased with his prayers and asked him to go to Tiruvalangadu and perform penance there to fulfil his wish. As instructed Sage did penance for many years that he was discovered by a hill of loose sands caused by termites on which certain reeds called Munjam began growing. The sage was thereafter called by Munjikesa. Meanwhile, Karkotaka, the serpent adoring Siva's hand, was said to have emitted its poison on His hand. The Lord ordained that the serpent should creep to Tiruvalangadu where the sage was meditating and promised to shower his grace on it when He would bless the Sage with a vision of His divine dance. Some used to say that both the Sage and the Serpent are called Vyakrapathar and Pathanjali Munivar.  

Two Asuras by name Nimba and Sumba were frightening to all at Tiruvalangadu. The sages complained to Siva at Mount Kailash of their atrocities. Goddess Parvati took pity on the Sages and Her glance of pity which lead to the creation of Kali, accompanied by a host of fearful spirits. Kali reached Alangadu, killed Asuras and drank their blood, but the fury of Kali was such that her thirst for blood became unquenchable and she began manifesting her passion in cruel ways. Sage Narada rushed to Siva and urged Him to intervene in the matter and pacify Kali. Siva then came to the place in the dreadful form of Sulapani - the one armed with Sula. Kali promptly challenged the Lord to a contest in furious dance with her. She consented to be His slave if He won in the contest. It was then that Lord Siva began His Dance, witnessed by Brahma, Vishnu, and other Devas and also Sage Munchikesa and Karkotaka. In the last item of dance called Urthava Thandava, when his earring slipped down. the Lord deftly caught it by His foot and wore it even while he continued to dance. Kali accepted the defeat and Siva knowing that Kali was but an aspect of Parvati, blessed her to be by His side. He ordained that the devotees should first worship Kali and seek His blessings only afterwards. Munchikesa and Karkotaka were also blessed to be always by His side.

Virudhachalam Viruthagirishwarar Temple

The Sthala Vruksha is the Vanni tree. As per the Legends, that this is the Kalpaka tree which came to the Earth from the Heaven to worship the Lord. The Sthala Purana give an interesting account of the place. It confirms the antiquity of the place for here it is associated with the origin of the world. Brahma first created water, it was then that Lord Vishnu killed the Madhu-Kaidapas. Their gigantic Limbs together and convert them into the Earth. Lord Siva appeared before Brahma in the form a mountain. Brahma did not understand the miracles of  Lord Siva and  started creating many mountains himself but there was no space left for them. Then Brahma realised the manifestation of Siva and worshipped the mountain and the Lord pleased with his prayers and then created the world. Then it is that Lord Siva told the mountain form he assumed was for the good of the world, it is the holiest and the first of mountains and that those who worshipped the Pazhamalai (Ancient mountain) would attain salvation. 

alagar kovil perumal Madurai

It was mentioned in the Mahabharata that Dharma, elder of Pandavas came to Vrishabadri on his pilgrimage for the holy bath. The Vamana Purana shows how Yama and Markandeya worshipped Alagar. It was mentioned in Agneya Purana that Arjuna came to Hills here for worship. King Mahabali the grandson of Prahlada became all powerful as the rulers of the three worlds. Lord Vishnu incarnated as Vamana and sent Mahabali to Pathala Loka. As per the Legends, Lord Vishnu as Trivikrama raised one his feet above; Brahma in Satya Loka washed His father's foot with the water in the Kamandala; thus the Silambaru or Noopura Gangai is said to have originated. It is believed that one who takes a bath in this Tirtha for 12 continuous days will attain salvation.

rameshwaram temple history

After killing Ravana and other Asuras, Rama stayed here with Sita for some time on the Mount Kandamadana. To get relieved from Brahma Hathi(Ravana was the descendant of Brahma), he requested Hanuman to bring a Siva Linga from Mount Kailas. Hanuman took a long time to return with a Siva linga. Rama installed Siva Linga in the auspicious time which Sita made out of Sand. The deity is called by Ramalingar or Ramanathar. Rama installed the Linga brought by Hanuman, which is seen north of Rameswarar. This deity is called by Visweswarar or Kasi Lingam or Hanuman Lingam. The goddess is called Parvathavardhini or Malaivalar Kathali. Rama Lingam is said to be the twelve manifestations of Siva at Jyotir Linga. 

avinashilingeswarar temple Coimbatore

Avinashi Temple is one of the seven famous places in Konku Nadu. Avinashi means indestructible, is the name of the Lord, from whom the place get its name. Temple is facing East. The Uniqueness of this temple is that Goddess is on  the right of the Idol. The main deity is called by Avinasiappar, Avinasinathar, and Thiru Avinasiaparanar. The name of the Goddess are Perangarunai and Karunalaya Chelvi.

There are four Tirthas at this temple. The well named Kasi Ganga is inside the temple. Naga Kannigai Tirtha is outside the temple on the right. One Tirtha opposite to the temple. The river which flows opposite to the temple is called as Iravatha Tirtha. On three of the pillars are the figures of Peria Kaliyappa Gounder and his son Sinna Kaliyappa Gounder. The inscription tells us that the Mantap was erected when the scrofula on the thigh of Peria Kaliyappa Gounder's son was cured completely. 

Temple tower is not completed and only the foundation remains. The car streets are situated separately.  There are no streets around the temple. 

Kanyakumari Devi Temple

As per the Legends, Parasurama (An incarnation of Lord Vishnu) who raised a temple for Goddess Sakthi and worshiped here. The goddess is also called Bagavathi. From the records, it is known that Nanjil Nadu near Kanyakumari was ruled by the Pandyas, the Cholas, the Cheras, and the Nayaks. One of the inscriptions says how Parantaka Pandya took steps to protect Kumairkottam from being destroyed by the sea.  There are many inscriptions which date to Kuluttunga Chola I and Butala Sri Veera Udaya Marthanda Varma.

There are many interesting stories attached with the Goddess Kumari remaining a Virgin Goddess here. One of the legends says that she longed to wed Lord Siva and when her wish was not fulfilled, she chose to remain here as a Kanya forever. Another story says that she will remain here for a period of twelve deluges doing penance here and marry Lord Siva at the end.

The sea itself is the Tirtha of the place and is called Alaivay Tirtha or Sangili Tirtha.

Pakshi Theertham Chennai

As per the Legends, eight sons took birth from Brahma's mind ( Manasa Putras) and they performed strict penance for Lord Siva to obtain Saaroopa Padavi. But they desired Saayujya when Lord Siva appeared before them. Angered Siva, cursed them to become eagles because of the blender committed to desiring the boon. They all pleaded the Lord for their ignorance, Siva told them that they would be relieved of their sins if they were born as eagles, two by two in each Yuga and worshipped Vedagiri.

Three Yugas has already passed; In this Kaliyuga, the sages , Busha and Vidatha by name, are said to worship the Lord in the guise of birds. Two birds visit temple daily at 11 am. and feed at the hands of a Desikar. Birds are fed with Chakara Pongal (Jaggery bath) and ghee.

As per the folklore, these birds take the bath in the Ganges in the morning, take their food at Tirukalukundram at noon, Worship Lord Siva at Rameswaram in the evening and reach Chidambaram at nightfall.

Pakshi Theertham Chennai

As per the Legends, eight sons took birth from Brahma's mind ( Manasa Putras) and they performed strict penance for Lord Siva to obtain Saaroopa Padavi. But they desired Saayujya when Lord Siva appeared before them. Angered Siva, cursed them to become eagles because of the blender committed to desiring the boon. They all pleaded the Lord for their ignorance, Siva told them that they would be relieved of their sins if they were born as eagles, two by two in each Yuga and worshipped Vedagiri.

Three Yugas has already passed; In this Kaliyuga, the sages , Busha and Vidatha by name, are said to worship the Lord in the guise of birds. Two birds visit temple daily at 11 am. and feed at the hands of a Desikar. Birds are fed with Chakara Pongal (Jaggery bath) and ghee.

As per the folklore, these birds take the bath in the Ganges in the morning, take their food at Tirukalukundram at noon, Worship Lord Siva at Rameswaram in the evening and reach Chidambaram at nightfall.