சவாரியின் வண்ணங்கள் / transports of indian cities

திருவனந்தபுரம் ஆட்டோக்கள்

நாட்டிலேயே திருவனந்தபுர ஆட்டோக்காரர்கள் அளவுக்கு நியாயவான்களை எங்கும் சந்திக்க முடியவில்லை. குறைந்தபட்சக் கட்டணம் ரூ. 14. ஒரு கிலோ மீட்டர் தூரத்துக்குள் சென்றுவிட்டு 15 ரூபாய் கொடுத்தீர்களேயானால், ஒரு ரூபாய் மீதம் தருகிறார்கள்!

மும்பை பஸ்கள் - டாக்ஸிகள்

நாடு முழுவதும் விதவிதமான பஸ்கள் ஓடினாலும் மும்பை பஸ்களின் ஒய்யாரமே தனி. அவற்றின் தனிக் கவர்ச்சிக்கு முக்கியக் காரணம் எளிமை. சென்னையின் ‘சிறப்பு பஸ்’களைவிடவும் விலை குறைவு இவை. தரமும் உழைக்கும் திறனும் அதிகம். ஆடம்பரம் இல்லாத, கழுத்தைத் தள்ளாத சாதாரண இருக்கைகள், நடுவே நின்று பயணிக்க தாராளமான இடமும் வசதியான கைப்பிடிகளும். கண்களை மறைக்காத, நல்ல காற்றோட்டம் தரும் ஜன்னல் ஓரக் கண்ணாடிகள். நிறுத்துமிடத்தை எவரும் உணர்த்துவதற்கேற்ப நீளக் கயிறுடன் ஓட்டுநருக்கு அருகில் தொங்கும் மணி. இன்னும் மாடி பஸ் சவாரி வாய்ப்பும் கிடைத்தால், ஆகாககாகா!

மும்பையில் எங்கும் டாக்ஸிகள் இழைந்துகொண்டிருப்பதில் வியப்பேதும் இல்லை. இங்கு அது வசதி படைத்தோருக்கு மட்டுமான வாகனம் அல்ல. குறைந்தபட்சக் கட்டணம் ரூ.20. மீட்டர் ரூ.28.50 காட்டி நீங்கள் நீங்கள் ரூ.30 கொடுத்துவிட்டு மீதி வேண்டாம் என்று கூறினால், கார் ஓட்டுநரின் ஒரு சலாம் உங்களுக்கு நிச்சயம்!

கொல்கத்தா படகுகள் - டிராம்கள்

தூங்கிக்கொண்டே செல்கிறோம், திடீரென்று கண் விழிக்கும்போது சாலையோரம் ஆற்றிலோ, கால்வாய்களிலோ படகுகள் செல்கின்றன என்றால், நீங்கள் கொல்கத்தாவில் இருக்கிறீர்கள் என்பது உறுதி. ஐந்து ரூபாய்க்கும் பத்து ரூபாய்க்கும் வாய்ப்புள்ள இடங்களிளெல்லாம் படகு சவாரி நடத்துகிறார்கள். வெறும் சுற்றுலாப் பயணிகள் மட்டும் அல்ல; உள்ளூர்க் காரர்களும் பயணிக்கிறார்கள்.

ஆயிரம் பேரோடு பயணம் செய்யலாம்; காதலியுடன் பயணம் செய்வதுபோல் ஆகுமோ? டிராமும் அப்படித்தான். ஆயிரம் வாகனங்களில் பயணம் செய்யலாம்; எதையும் டிராம் சவாரியோடு ஒப்பிட முடியாது. பயணம் என்பது வெறுமனே ஓரிடத்தை அடைவதற்கான நோக்கத்தை மட்டும் கொண்டது அல்ல என்பதை உணர்த்துவது டிராம் சவாரி. சாலையில் ஓடும் ரயில் இது. நீங்கள் நினைத்த மாத்திரத்தில் ஏறவும் இறங்கவும் கூடிய அளவுக்கு நிதானமான சவாரி.

ரயிலுக்காக எல்லா வாகனங்களும் காத்திருப்பதைப் பார்த்துப் பழக்கப்பட்டவர்களுக்குச் சாலையில் ஏனைய வாகனங்களோடு டிராம் காத்திருப்பதைப் பார்ப்பதும், முன்னே செல்லும் சைக்கிள் ஓட்டியிடம் வழி கேட்டு அதன் ஹாரன் ஒலிப்பதும் வாழ்வின் விந்தைகளில் ஒன்று. கொல்கத்தாவில் பாதி இடங்களைப் பார்த்துவிடலாம் ஆறு ரூபாயில். டிராம் சவாரியில்.

டெல்லி ரிக்‌ஷாக்கள்

ஒட்டுமொத்த இந்தியாவுக்கும் டெல்லி காட்டும் அற்புதமான வழி சைக்கிள் ரிக்‌ஷாக்கள். கொல்கத்தாவில் கை ரிக்‌ஷாக்களைப் பார்க்கும் பலர் ஏன் வங்காளிகளுக்கு சைக்கிள் ரிக்‌ஷா தெரியாதா என்று கேட்கலாம். உண்மையில் நாட்டிலேயே முதன்முதலில் கை ரிக்‌ஷாக்களைக் கொண்டுவந்த மாநகரங்களில் ஒன்று கொல்கத்தா.

1930-களிலேயே இங்கு கை ரிக்‌ஷாக்கள் வந்துவிட்டாலும் ஏனோ வங்காளிகளுக்கு இன்னமும் கை ரிக்‌ஷாக்கள் மீதே தனி மோகம். ஒரு கை ரிக்‌ஷாக்காரர் “ஹே... இது ராஜ வாகனம் இல்லையோ? ’’ என்று கேட்டது ஞாபகத்துக்கு வருகிறது. பொதுவாகவே, இந்தியாவின் தென்பகுதி நீங்கலாக எல்லா நகரங்களிலும் சைக்கிள் ரிக்‌ஷாவுக்கு முக்கிய இடம் இருக்கிறது என்றாலும் டெல்லியில் சைக்கிள் ரிக்‌ஷா சவாரி அலாதியானது (அழுது வடியும் பாடாவதி ரிக்‌ஷாக்கள் இங்கு கிடையாது; தவிர, எல்லா ரிக்‌ஷாக்களும் ஒரே மாதிரியானவை).

டெல்லியில் 1940-களில்தான் ரிக்‌ஷா பரவலானது. ஆனால், டெல்லிக்காரர்கள் கெட்டியாகப் பிடித்துக்கொண்டார்கள். இன்றைக்கும்கூட நகரில் எங்கும் ரிக்‌ஷாக்களைப் பிடிக்க முடிகிறது. டெல்லியில் மட்டும் கிட்டத்தட்ட ஆறு லட்சம் ரிக்‌ஷாக்கள் ஓடுவதாகச் சொல்கிறார்கள். குறைந்தபட்சக் கட்டணம் 20 ரூபாய். ரொம்பப் பக்கம் என்றால், 10 ரூபாய் கொடுத்தால்கூட வாங்கிக் கொள்கிறார்கள். சைக்கிள் ரிக்‌ஷா பயணம் என்பது வேடிக்கை பார்த்துக்கொண்டே நடக்கும் பயணத்தைத் தாண்டி இரு நிம்மதிகளைத் தரக் கூடியது. 1. சமூகத்தில் அடித்தட்டில் இருக்கும் தொழிலாளர்களுக்கு அளிக்கப்படும் வாய்ப்பு அது. 2. சுற்றுச்சூழலுக்குக் கேடு விளைவிக்காத பயணம் அது!

அகமதாபாத் பிரத்யேக பஸ் தடங்கள்

நாட்டிலேயே பொதுப் போக்குவரத்துக்குக் கொடுக்க வேண்டிய சரியான மரியாதையை அகமதாபாதில் பார்க்கலாம். நாடு முழுவதும் சாலைகள் எல்லா வாகனங்களுக்கும் பொதுவாக போக, வர என்று இரு தடங்களாகப் பிரிக்கப் பட்டிருக்கின்றன என்றால், அகமதாபாதில் மூன்று தடங்கள். இடது - வலது, போக - வர. நடுவில் உள்ள தடம் பஸ்களுக்கு மட்டுமேயானது. வேலிபோல் தடுப்பு அமைத்து ஒதுக்கியிருக்கிறார்கள். விரைவுவழி பஸ் போக்குவரத்துத் திட்டத்தின் கீழ் இயங்கும் பஸ்கள் மட்டும் இந்தத் தடத்தில் செல்கின்றன (ஏனைய பஸ்கள் இட வலத் தடங்களில்). இந்த பஸ்களுக்கான நிறுத்தங்களும் இந்தப் பாதைக்குள்ளேயே அமைக்கப்பட்டிருக்கின்றன. பஸ்கள் ரயில்கள்போல் சென்றுவருகின்றன.

இந்தியா முழுவதும் பெட்ரோல் - டீசல் விலையும் வாகனங்களின் விலையும் கிட்டத்தட்ட ஒரே மாதிரிதான் இருக்கிறது. எல்லா ஊர்களிலுமே பணக்காரர்களும் இருக்கிறார்கள்; ஏழைகளும் இருக்கிறார்கள். ஆனால், வாகனங்களிலும் பயண முறைகளிலும் மட்டுமே எத்தனை எத்தனை வித்தியாசங்கள்? காரணங்கள் என்ன? அரசின் தொலைநோக்கின்மையும் பொறுப்பற்றதனமும் மட்டுமே காரணங்கள் என்று நான் நம்பவில்லை!

வேடந்தாங்கல் செல்லும் வழியில் உள்ள காஞ்சீபுரம் மாவட்டம் வையாவூர் கிராமத்தில் ஸ்ரீஅம்ருதபுரி ஸ்ரீஇராமானுஜ யோகவனம்.

ராமானுஜர் அமர்ந்து யோகம் செய்ததாகச் சொல்லப்படுகிறது. வேடந்தாங்கல் செல்லும் வழியில் உள்ள காஞ்சீபுரம் மாவட்டம் வையாவூர் கிராமத்தில் அமைந்துள்ளது ஸ்ரீஅம்ருதபுரி ஸ்ரீஇராமானுஜ யோகவனம்.

பிரம்மாண்ட விநாயகரின் உடலில் தெளிவாகத் தெரியும் வண்ணம் இங்கு நவக்கிரக நாயகர்கள் பிரதிஷ்டை செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளனர். 

அனைவரும் தம் வாழ்நாளில் கஜகேசரி யோகம் பெற, நரசிம்மருடன் கூடிய இந்த விநாயகரை வணங்கலாம். கஜம் என்றால் யானை; கேசரி என்றால் சிங்கம். யானை பொறுமைக்கும் பலத்துக்கும் உதாரணம். சிங்கம் அஞ்சாமையின் அடையாளம். பொறுமை, பலம், வீரம் இருந்தால் அதுவே கஜகேசரி யோகம் என்பார்கள். இதனைப் பெற இந்த நவகிரக விநாயகரை, நரசிம்மர் மற்றும் நாகருடன் வழிபடலாம் என்கிறார் 

இங்கு  ராமரின் வில் போலவே ஹோம குண்டம் அமைத்து ஹோமம், திருமஞ்சனம் ஆகியவை நடைபெறும். இந்த சன்னதியில் 108 சாலிக்கிராமம் இருக்கிறது. இவற்றை வணங்கினால் 108 திவ்விய தேசப் பெருமாளை ஒரே நேரத்தில் வணங்கிய பலன் கிடைக்கும் என்பது ஐதீகம்.

பதினெண் சித்தர்கள்:

ஆதிசேஷன் அம்சமாக லட்மணன், ராமானுஜரைச் சொல்வது போல் பதஞ்சலி முனிவரும் அவரது அம்சம் என்று சொல்கிறார்கள். பதஞ்சலி முனிவர் உட்பட பதினெண் சித்தர்களும் இந்த ஸ்ரீ அம்ருதபுரி ஸ்ரீ ராமானுஜ யோகவன தியான மண்டபம் எனும் வேதாந்த, சித்தாந்த, ஸர்வ சமய சமரச சன்மார்க்க சமுதாயக் கூடத்தில் பிரதிஷ்டை செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளார்கள். இச்சித்தர்கள் இம்மண்டபத்தை வலம் வருவதாக நம்பிக்கை நிலவுகிறது. பக்தர்கள் ஜாதக ரீதியான பரிகாரங்கள் எடுபடாதபோதும், தீராத நோய் தீருவதற்காகவும் இந்த பிரதான பதினெண் சித்தர்களை நம்பிக்கையுடன் வணங்குகிறார்கள்.

மற்றொரு விசேஷம் என்னவெனில் ஒரே கல்லில் முன்னும் பின்னுமாக அமைந்துள்ள ஆஞ்சனேய, கருட சிலாரூபம்.

சுந்தரேசுவரர் கோய நெய்க்குப்பை- பாவ விமோசனம் தரும் தலம்

பந்தநல்லூர் என்று தற்போது அழைக்கப்படும் பந்தனை நல்லூர் ஆகும். அந்தப் பால் அங்கிருந்து ஒரு மைல் தொலைவில் இருக்கும் நெய்க்குப்பை தலம் வரை ஓடிவந்து நெய்யாக மாறியது. 
தீர்த்தம் சூரிய தீர்த்தம் தலவிருட்சம் பவளமல்லி

kanchi holy temples

Kachi Nerikkaaraikkaadu or Thirukkalimedu. 
Significance: One of the 275 sacred temples glorified by the Thevara hymns; one of the five of them in Kanchipuram.

Location: The place is known as Satyavratam and Indiresam. The path opposite the Head Post Office leads to this temple and the place is called Thirukkalimedu

Main deity: The presiding deity is a Swayambumurthi known as Kaaraittirunatheswarar or Satyanatheswarar and the consort, Brahmmaraambigai.

Legend: Lord Indra, the King of the Devas and Lord mercury worshipped Shiva here.

Temple: The temple tank is known as Indra Theertham and Budha Theertham and it is believed that one who has a holy dip in temple tank and worships the God here would be endowed with the best benefits. Lord Mercury rose to the position of a planet only after worshipping the God here. It is believed that sesame oil offered during ablutions are absorbed by the Shivalingam. There are two prakarams and a three tiered Rajagopuram.

Kachi aayaarohaneswarar Guru Temple

Location: Near Pillarpalayam pond on the banks of the River Vegawathi.

Main deity: Kayaroganeswarar and Kamalaambigai

Legend: Once, Lords Brahma and Vishnu were very disappointed as their life time was drawing to a close. Shiva, who is beyond time limit took both of them to his shoulder and started dancing. Since Lord Shiva allowed them to take refuge on his back and blessed them, He is called Kayarohaneshwarar. Goddess Mahalakshmi showered the leaves of the holy Bael tree worshipped Kayarohaneshwarar to be blessed with a holy husband - Lord Vishnu. This temple is popularly known as Guru Sthalam since Lord Jupiter (Lord Guru) came here to worship Shiva and was blessed with unfailing devotion towards Him. Every Thursday, people throng the temple. The place of Sri Bhaaskhara maharishi is situated very close to this temple.

Theertham: Kayarohana Theertham. The Kanchi Puranam lays emphasis on the greatness of this place by saying that those who bathe in the Kayarohana Theertham and worship Shiva and Goddess Lakshmi here would be bestowed with all wealth and wisdom.

Brahmapureeswarar Temple, Tirupattur

This temple in Tirupattur is about 25 kms from Trichy on the Chennai - Trichy NH 45. While going from Chennai, you have to reach Siruganur and take a right there into the service lane. There is a big board to guide people travelling by road. After turning right, the temple is about 5 kms down the road. While coming from Trichy, Siruganur is about ten kms farther from Samayapuram, and one has to turn left at the Siruganur Service lane.Brahma idol is almost six feet and sitting on a lotus flower in Padmasana. Brahma is considered as the Adhidevatha of Guru Bhagavan, and therefore, here he is covered in turmeric paste. The turmeric is also given as prasadam. If you visit the temple around 7 am in the morning, you will be able to see both the Nirmalya Darshan as well as alankaram. Worshipping this Brahma, wil change the destiny of the worshipper for the beter. But not everyone will be lucky enough to come here. Only if their destiny allows can it happen. Which is why he is called " விதி இருப்பின் விதியை மாற்றும் பிரம்மா"

Brahma was very vain as he had five heads like Shiva and he was the creator of all beings. In order to curb his vanity, Shiva plucked out one of his heads whereby Brahma lost all his thejus or glory. Since he lost thejus he also lost the art of creation. In order to be relieved of the curse, Lord Brahma came to Tirupattur and installed 12 (Dwadasa) Lingams and prayed to them. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Shiva appeared before him with Goddess Parvati, who gave him back his lost thejus which is why she is called "Brahma Sampath Gowri" here. Shiva also gave another boon to Brahma. Just like how he had changed the destiny of the one who was responsible for writing everyone's destiny, Brahma would have the power of changing the destiny of all those who worshipped him here, for the better. Goddess Brahma Sampath Gowri can be worshipped in a seperate sannadhi outside the main temple.

 
 Usually in temples, the devotees stand on both sides of the main deity and worship. In this temple, it is important that the devotee falls within the direct deeksha of Lord Brahma. Therefore, they are asked to stand directly in front of him so that their destiny can be changed for the better.

Saint Padhanjali

Another very important feature of this temple is the Jeeva samadhis of Saints Padhanjali and Vyakrapadhar. While Shiva performs the Ananda Thandava between the horns of Nandi, there are two saints who witness it - Padhanjali and Vyakrapadha. Both their jeeva samadhis are found here. Padhanjali was the creator of Yoga Sutra. His jeeva samadhi can be found to the left of the Brahma Sannadhi. A covered enclosure has been made around it convenient for those who want to come here and meditate. The vibration is extremely powerful here. 

Thala Vruksham - Maghizha Maram

The jeeva samadhi of Saint Vyagrapadhar is found about half a km away from the main temple.
The Stala Vruksham is Magizha maram which is about 150 years old and is found in the complex outside the temple which houses 7 out of the 12 lingams. It is believed that Sage Pathanjali often left his physical body and stayed in the astral form for many days in this magizha maram and performed penance. 
There are four lingams in the main temple 
1. Brahmapureeswarar - Main Deity
2. Pazhamalainathar - Opposite to the Jeeva samadhi of Saint Padhanjali
3. Padhala Eswarar - Every temple that has a Jeeva Samadhi will have a padhala lingam. Here it is present near Chadikeswara
4. Suttharathneswarar - near the navagrahas

One lingam in front of the Amman Sannadhi:
5. Thayumanavar 
The other seven lingams are found in the adjacent campus:
  

List of lingams outside the lingam complex

 

Clockwise from left: Manduganathar, Ekambareshwarar, Arunachaleshwarar, Kailasanathar, Jambukeshwarar, Kalathinathar, Saptharisheeswarar and the huge nandhi in front of Kailasanathar shrine

There are Pancha Bhootha Sthalangal in Tamilnadu namely - Kanchipuram, Tiruvannamalai, Kalahasti, Thiruvaanaikaval and Chidambaram. But this temple has all lingams of all five elements and saptharishis in one place. Lord Brahma has installed them all at one place so that the devotees who come here get the benefit of having workshipped the pancha bhoothas and the saptharishis when they worship at this temple. Each one of the shrines are different in architecture and size and the avudaiyars are also different some have the komukham on the left and others on the right. The Kailasanathar shrine has a 16 pillared hall and a huge nandi before it. 

There is also a tank here called the Brahma Theertham...which is supposed to have been created by Lord Brahma to perform puja to the Dwadasa Lingams but the current status in which it is maintained leaves a lot to be desired.

Brahma Theertham

Every year in the tamil month of Panguni (March-April) for three days, namely 14, 15 and 16th the Sun God is said to worship Brahmapureeswara. As I mentioned earlier, there are seven entrances to reach the main deity's sannadhi. It is a miracle that the sun's rays cross these seven entrances and fall directly on the lingam from 6.15 to 6.45 a.m. 

The jeeva samadhi of Sage Vyakrapureeswara is situated in Kasi Viswanatha swamy temple attached to the Brahmapureeswarar temple about half a km away. He has installed the Kasi Vishwanatha Swamy in this temple. Once there was no water in Tirupattur for performing the daily pujas. Sage Vyakrapadha saw Airavatha, the white elephant of Lord Indra, carrying water for the puja of Lord Jambukeswara of Tiruvanaikaval. He asked Airavatha to give him some water for the puja. The elephant refused. The angry sage who had hands and feet of a tiger dug the ground with his claws till water gushed out. He used this water to perform the puja. The tank so created by him is called " Pulipal Theertham". Bathing here on full moon day cures one of all skin ailments. The Jeeva samadhi of Sage Vyakrapadha is found encased in glass.

Kasi Vishwanatha Temple where the jeeva samadhi
of Sage Vyakrapadha is found

 Both temples are open from 7 am to 12 pm in the morning and from 4 pm to 8 pm in the evening.
Contact details:
Baskara Gurukkal (Brahma Sannadhi)
0431-2650439 / 9443817385

On Thursdays, Full Moon Days, and Sadhaya nakshatram days the temple is extremely crowded.  The Kasi Vishwanatha Swamy Temple closes by 6:30 PM daily
 

visit the 'Perumal temple' near Brahma temple. Though very small, the perumal here is very powerful. 

Our family had a prayer and me and my parents were praying perumal for the same. 
As a sign of blessing, the bhattacharyar uttered a word standing in the sannidhi - 'Neenga nenaikaradu 45 naatkal la nadakum. Swamiki thirumanjanam seiyaren nu prarthanai pannikongo. Avar 45 days la nadathi vappar'. To everybodys surprise, trust me, it happened within 45 days.vidhiyai mattriammaikum varadaraja perumal 9790327510

temples near bangalore

Kurudumale Ganesha

This is has to be one of my favorite temple stories so far. This temple is very unique from the rest of the temple that we known. To begin with, its massive saligrama Ganesha Idol. The Ganesh Idol here is at least 12 feet long and 6 to 7 feet in width. This is a unique Lord Ganesha statue. This temple is located in Kurudumale in Mulabagalu taluk of Kolar district in Karnataka. The interesting thing about this temple is built of a single rock without any foundation.  The ganesha idol is considered to be very powerful. Many people start new jobs or new work only after taking the blessing of Lord Ganesha. There are no other saligrama Ganesha idol as big as this anywhere on this earth!

Lord Ganesh is one of the best-known and most widely worshipped deities in the Hindu pantheon. Ganesha is widely revered as the Remover of Obstacles and more generally as Lord of Beginnings and Lord of Obstacles (Vighnesha, Vighneshvara), patron of arts and sciences, and the deva of intellect and wisdom. He is honored at the beginning of rituals and ceremonies and invoked as Patron of Letters during writing sessions.

This Ganesha Idol was established by the trinities (of hinduism) such as Bhrama-God of Creation,  Vishnu-God of Protection, and Shiva-God of destruction  in Satya Yuga to destroy the demon TRIPURASURA. Yuga is the name of an 'epoch' or 'era' within a cycle of four ages. These are the Satya Yuga (or Krita Yuga), the Treta Yuga, the Dvapara Yuga and finally the Kali Yuga.  We are in Kali yuga. Tripurasura was an asura(demon) who tormented people, saints , sages demigods, gods in Krita or Satya yoga. He who inhabited Tripura, a mythological triplet fortress made of iron, silver and gold constructed by Mayasura.  From a boon he had grown very powerful and gods could not destroy him. However his end would come from a bachelor who enters wedlock, yet lives a salebacy life! All the gods came together formed  shakthis known as Siddhi and Buddhi as Lord Ganesha's brides. Lord Ganesh married both Sakthi and buddhi in the presence of all, and later the shakthis turned in to his weapons. Lord Ganesha holds these weapons in hands, always. Meanwhile Tripurasura roams freely causing all the mayhem and chaos around the world. His end is by this Lord Ganesh in Kaliyuga!

As Hindu trinity established this idol, the place came to known as kotadri, and the hill in which it is located is known as ''Kootamale'.' However, over the years it became kurudumale, a very rude form to say. This saligrama Ganesha Idol is the epicenter of all positive energy. This energy is omnipresent, and indestructible. This energy can create any sort of miracle. This idol is being worshipped from past four yugas. Another speciality of this idol is no matter how far you stand and view, the idol only grows bigger and bigger! Something even eye physicians cannot give a conclusive explanation! This is the same idol lord Rama first worshipped in treta yuga before fighting Ravana. Rama emerges victorious and rescues his wife Sita, who was held captive by Ravana! In Dawapara yuga, Sri Krishna worshiped this Ganesha in order to get rid of shamantha kamaniya's curse. The spell is removed. In fact, this is the same temple, where Pandavas visited before they went to war with Kuravas, and pandavas too defeat Kauravas and hence taking back their kingdom! In Kaliyuga, Krishna Devaraya of vijayanagara dynasty understands its importance. In fact lord ganesh shows up in his dreams and request for a temple  to be built around the idol with meticulous details depicting its importance. Today, one can find fine sculptures etched on the temple pillars depicting the stories of Lord Rama, and Lord Krishna.

The basic belief here is anyone who comes to this temple and worship with clean heart before beginning any work; he is sure to taste success in all his endeavors! Not only it has rich mythological history to it, even today one can find a lot of paranormal activities in and around the temple. Koundanya Munni one of the sapta Rushis comes every day to this temple, and sings in praise of lord Ganesha! It is believed that Koundanya rushi is still residing in the near by caves. These caves are accessible to public! This Ganesh is  worshiped by koundanya rushi every day at midnight. Not only Koundaniya munni but also other gods and demigods visit this place every night. People here have reported many tiny lights hovering above, and also have heard a lot of variety of music, prayers.  ''OM'' is resonated very loudly in the nights and no one knows the sources of it. Also, one can find a lot of yagna kundalam! This place is very sacred. Anyone who occupies temple property, death is guaranteed. During Ratha sapthami, many lights travel from the nearby mountain towards the temple. These lights take a round about and travel back to the mountain. This happens every year and there are many witnesses! You may catch a glimpse of it, if your lucky enough.

This is a favorite temple for politicians, many politicians come here to get Ganesha's blessing. All their prayers have been answered. This place is closer to Bangalore.

From Bangalore majestic catch a bus ( if planning to go by bus) to mulbagalu town in Kolar. This place-kurudumale is just a few kilometers from Mulbagalu. The temple is located on a hill which is easily accessible to the devotees through steps. I am not sure of any place of stay like lodge As far as I know devotees rest at the temple complex. The place is very sacred. 

temples near kanyakumari

Sri Mahadevar Athisaya Vinayakar Temple-Keralapuram

his temple is one of its kinds. A very powerful and extremely rare lord Ganesh’s temple exists for many centuries in Keralapuram near Nagarcoil Dist. in Tamil Nadu.  ‘Adisiya Vinayakar Koyil’ literally translates to ‘Miracle Ganesha Temple’.  Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, is known by many names. Vinayaka is one of his several names.''Vinayaka'' symbolizes the qualities of a true leader in all aspects. "Viyate Nayake Iti Vinayaka" meaning, He is a master unto Himself. Lord Vinayakar’s idol changes its color to black and white once in every six months. During Utharayan (March-June), the idol is black in color, and in Dakshiyana (July-Feb) idol turns to white.  Hence this temple came to be known as ‘’Miracle Ganesh Temple.

The first glance of the temple will speak of neighboring state (Kerala’s) influence. There are no exuberant temple towers that we usually find in other Tamil Nadu Temples.  If not for the Temple nameplate, one cannot recognize that this is the famous ancient temple. Once entered the temple, one can find a huge yard with deep-rooted trees, a small dome and a sculpture of lord Shiva and Parvathi on it. One can also find a whole lot of Nagaraja idols, and each idol has a unique face to it. There are many idols; the temple is located in a pristine environment, and the whole place echoes simplicity! 

             

There are two temples inside the temple complex one for lord Shiva and another is for lord Ganesha. Lord Shiva here is known as Mahadevar. It is believed that the temple was built in 1317. The idols were established long before the temple was built!  Although, it is primarily a Shiva temple, one can clearly see the Vishnava’s influence in this temple. Those days Vishnava’s dominance was high and it reflects thru' Vishnava signs throughout the temple. Lord Ganesh is very famous in this part of the state. This temple was renovated many times over the centuries and this information is available in the temples scriptures. There are beautiful paintings drawn on the walls inside the temple. Once we pass by a huge tree under it is a snake carved out of granite stone, we head to Adisiya Vinayakar Temple. This temple has a long passage and walls are adorned with magnificent paintings. The sacred sanctum has an iron grid sliding door. The sacred sanctum is not an enclosed chamber, as the lord is placed outside, and under the huge banyan tree.

The idol here changes its color every six months. There is an interesting story behind this idol. The king, who ruled Keralapuram, went for a pilgrimage to Rameshwaram, a famous shivite temple facing Bay of Bengal. A Ganesh idol is washed over while the king and his men were washing their legs at the Rameshwaram beach. The king then gifts it to his Rameshwaram counterpart ‘’Sethu Mannan’’.  Sethu Mannan was overwhelmed by the love and affection, however he returns the gift back to the Keralapuram King. It was his opinion and belief that the finder should have it and it was the right thing to do. Along with the idol, the Rameshwaram King gifts another Huge Emerald Idol. However, the Mogul later looted the emerald idol during their invasion. They could not take the idol with them, it was stuck to the ground. So, the idol was left behind. Though, the temple was built in the 12thcentury idols here are quite older than the temple. According to the temple priest, the idol is at least 2,300 years old!  The idol was not installed according to the agamana shastra; it is simply kept on the elevated platform. People offer their prayers every morning and in the evening. Abhishekam to the lord takes place every morning and in the evening! Hence the idol found at the Rameshwaram beach is worshiped here. 

It is believed that those who are looking for their soul mates, married couple wishing to have kids throng this temple. By breaking coconut, and offering rice dumplings to the lord, devotees believe their wishes will come true. Devotees also believe that the idol color changes every six months is due to god’s grace. There are many devotees come her just see the color change. The color of the idol changes to black and white every six months i.e. during utharayana (March-June) and dakshiyana (July-Feb). During Dakshiyana the color of the idol changes to white, and in utharayana it is black in color. There is another miracle associated with this temple. There is a well inside the temple complex and the color of the water too changes every six months. When the idol is white in color, the water changes to black and vice versa! Right now, the color of the water is black in color. Though, there is no ‘’fall season’’ in the tropical states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, however the key temple tree has a unique characteristic where leaves starts to fall during dakshiyana, and new leaves starts to sprout from march. This is not a typical behavior of a Banyan tree.   

Driving directions to Keralapuram Siva Temple from Kanyakumari Railway Station

Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu 629702, India

kerala temples near coimbatore

The miracle of Thirukachamkurissi

The deity at Thirukachamkurissi has a regenerative power that mitigates the burning sorrows of those who submit themselves in complete faith to Him.

THIRUKACHAMKURISSI, an ancient place of worship, is located at the foot of the Anamalai range of the Western Ghats, at Payyalur, on the fringe of Kollengode, in Kerala. Located mid way between Palakkad (Kerala) and Pollachi (Tamil Nadu), life in this area typifies that of a frontier town, a mixture of two cultures.

The legends of the temple speak of the peace and tranquillity that led Sage Kashyapa to meditate in its hilly surroundings. It is believed that as a result of Kashyapa's penance, Mahavishnu appeared before him. Kashyapa's desire was that the Lord should remain with him always, in that calm and idyllic atmosphere. Sriman Narayana consented to his wish, and it is believed that the sage installed and consecrated the idol of Mahavishnu in the form that he himself had perceived him — Chaturbahu Mahavishnu, seated on the coils of Adishesha.

Thus, the little hillock on which the temple is located came to be known as `Kachamkurissi' (as derived from `Kashyapan-Kurissi,' or `the Hill of Kashyapa').

The name `Kachamkurissi' can also be linked to that time in ancient history when, culturally, Kerala was a part of `Tamizhagam'. The famed Sangam literature during the period of the Cheras (upto the 3rd Century A.D.), speak of the `Tinais' or `eco-zones' — `kurinji' (kurichi) or hilly tracts being one of them. The place name is thus indicative of the early origins of this temple.

It was to this shrine that Dharma Varman, a prince, from what is now central Kerala, came, in search of a cure for a debilitating ailment. It is said that the dying Dharma Varman bathed in the healing spring waters that then existed in the forests around the temple, and after undergoing many days of ritual penance at this temple, at the feet of Perumal, returned to his kingdom, completely cured. This then, is the true miracle of Thirukachamkurissi — a regenerative power, which those who come in faith profess to feel, on submitting to this all-forgiving deity the turbulence of their minds. More often than not, they have returned, renewed and revived, their burning sorrows inexplicably assuaged by some strange balm, cool and comforting as a moonbeam.

Dharma Varman's grandson, Vira Ravi, became the first `utaiyvar' of this region, and it is a popular thought that he named his miniature principality, `Venkatanad' (later `Vengunad') in honour of Mahavishnu Perumal of Thirukachamkurissi. Devotees often approach the Lord of this temple as `Ve Vira Ravi was awarded the sole right to permit the commencement of the ancient ritual, Somayagams. This he did, symbolically, by granting `somalata' (the moon-plant) and `karinjali' (black wood), ingredients essential for the yagam, at the temple of Thirukachamkurissi. Despite the break up of the feudal order, this ritual tradition of granting `somalata' and `karinjali' to signify the start of the yagam, has continued right through the centuries.It was enacted once again, prior to the most recent Somayagam conducted at Thrissur in March this year, giving Thirukachamkurissi temple pan-Kerala prominence, and spiritual significance.