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Thread:Indian Heritage ArchitectureViews: 30035
Aug 20, 2007 8:58 pmThread:Indian Heritage Architecture#

Shobha(usha) gowri
They created art in stone so that even if you went blind you could still see”

With this translation of a song I welcome you to the “Indian Heritage Architecture” thread in the belief that you too will share in the beauty and relevance of our ancient architecture and to contribute to preserving it in the centuries to come.

This thread is about the architectural marvels -the temples and houses and forts and those fantabulous monuments that are witness to our history, our past that gives us our roots, that is so part of our psyche, who we are and who we will be.

To know is to keep the knowledge alive. Every time I see a Discovery or a similar channel portraying Egypt or China, I am left wondering what happened to that other great living in a continuum civilization called India.

Do we not have architecture, a lifestyle, a history, a culture-no many cultures- that are simply astounding and marvelous architectural and scientific wonders?

In my travels I see people talk of two hundred years ago with so much pride and I think-so many of us can trace ours ancestries to many thousand years, many of us have heirlooms that are a few hundred years.

So here is a place where
You can share knowledge of these beauties,
Help preserve them,
Contribute your little mite to do wonders,
To leave this, in all its splendor, for generations to come to take pride in them and feel rooted.

And maybe in this journey we could also discover something in ourselves and about ourselves. That would be the biggest reward.

I invite you, the BBN reader to contribute to this thread and to bring out the best of our Heritage Architecture here.



Enjoy the first posting too:


Where else can you offer the Lord hot boiled rice, cooked bitter gourd and greens poured in a big heap on a platform, in front of the Sanctum sanctorum? Only the steam rising from this offering is offered as Naivedyam, continuing the theme of formlessness of the Divine.
Except at Avudayar koil in Pudukottai district? One of the only two temples dedicated to a human being (the other is Andal in Sri Villiputhur)
The temple is dedicated to Manickavasagar, the poet saint. There is no form to the deity and hence only a platform is seen.
But religion and religious beliefs aside, the cravings on the pillars are nothing short of amazing. The shadows, the perfection of astronomy in stone, the anatomy, dress and jewels of the figures-breath taking.
The story goes that Manickavasagar ,then a minister to the king, was sent to bring in horses (that came in from the middle east(!!)) from the port.(Interesting that there was a port where now there is nothing but arid land). The minister came across this temple with no deity and there appeared a vision. He stayed on to build this temple and the king of course, furious, asked for his head. But in the court of the king appeared this man who said the minister had sent him and who brought such fine horses the king couldn’t just take his eyes of them. The”man”, is believed to be Shiva, who converted foxes to horses, to save the young minister, who was to become one of the four pillars of Shaivism.
Myths apart- you need a whole day to see this temple. Each pillar is carved with gigantic carvings on single stones. The details, of course, are stunning-you can see a rib, a nail, the finger rings, shoes like the present day floaters and which could only have come from the Arabic traders, and the horses. You have the Maratha horse-the Arabian horse and all kinds of breeds. And then of course-if you ever wondered where the kancheevaram sari designers came for their designs-well you now know where.
And as usual in a state of disarray-the mural paintings are all but gone and before long the temple will disappear. But for those of you who love to see music in stone-here is a great one to visit.


Private Reply to Shobha(usha) gowri

Aug 21, 2007 5:18 amre: Thread:Indian Heritage Architecture#

Sanjay kumar
Hi

Interesting story.. where is Avudayar koil in Pudukottai district located?

Private Reply to Sanjay kumar

Aug 31, 2007 5:35 amre: re: Thread: Indian Heritage Architecture#

Shobha(usha) gowri
Near Athani-you can reach it from Madurai,Tiruchi(slightly far),Karaikudi.
A good fascinating way is to see the Chettiar country and travel to Avudaiyar koil
A photographers delight
G

Private Reply to Shobha(usha) gowri

Aug 31, 2007 6:11 amre: Thread for :Indian Heritage and Architecture#

Shobha(usha) gowri
Sri Ulagalantha Perumal Temple, Kanchipuram
Awesome-the Lord with his leg lifted heavenwards -truly amazing sight and the sculptors depiction of the Lords face,the emotions and dress :you can see every fold in the dhoti,the eys looking down at you from above,the fingers.....one just has to stand and look and look and look
Fortunately there are no big crowds and you can take your time-but it could have all changed now.


ULAGALANDAR TEMPLE

This is a small temple near the Kamakshi Amman Temple.The main deity of this temple is 35 feet high and 24 feet wide posing with one foot on earth and the other on the sky. This form is called Trivikrama. This temple is one of the 108 Divya Desam's of Lord Vishnu. Subshrines of this temple namely Tiruneerakam, Tirukarakam, and Kaarvaanam are Divya Desam's as well.

The mythological story goes as follows: King Bali, son of Virochana and grandson of Prahlada, was famous for his austerities. Though a Daitya, a ruler of demons, Bali earned much merit by his virtuous deeds and his devotion to Brahma. He became so powerful that he defeated Indra and
humbled all the Devas. The Devas appealed to Lord Vishnu for protection and he promised the same. As King Bali never refused alms begged of him, Vishnu took the form of a dwarfish Brahmin and appeared before Bali with a request for a small gift. Bali asked the dwarfish Brahmin to express his desire. The dwarfish Brahmin begged of him that he wanted just three footspaces of land where he could live. This being a very small request, Bali consented to give him the required land. The Brahmin then assumed the form of Thiruvikrama-and raised his right foot and covered the whole of the earth. Then with his left foot he covered the entire heaven. Then he asked Bali where he could show place for the third pace. Bali showed his head.Vishnu recollected that Bali had been a man of great charity and had done immense good to the world. Especially as Bali was the grandson of Prahlada, who was his great devotee, it was not fair to kill him. So Vishnu made him the King of the Netherworld (Patala Loka). Depiction of this incident is Ulagalanda. Perumal, one of the ten incarnations of Vishnu according to Hindu mythology. The shrine dedicated to this incident is very rare and is peculiar to Kancheepuram. This incident happened on Amavasya Day of the month of Kartika, on which the Deepavali festival is performed to commemorate the victory of Vishnu over Bali."
Another write up I found:
Going for the dramatic effect, we chose a small temple with lots of surprises. The Ulagalandha Perumal temple, though unpretentious in appearance, had surprises for both the historian and the pilgrim. The core of the temple is probably of Pallava vintage going by the main deity but inscriptions are only from the Chola period. The temple has been sung by Azhwars of the 7-8th century but the temple may be much older. For the pilgrim, the temple houses in four separate shrines, four different deities praised by the Azhwars. The temple is unique in having four divya desams in one temple complex.

We paused at the entrance porch admiring the unusually decorated pillar corbels — with the face of an asura and stepped into the main sanctum. The small size of the temple complex and the simple structure does not quite prepare us for the main deity. At a towering 9.6 metre height and 7.2 metre width is the bas relief of Ulagalandha Perumal — Vishnu as Trivikrama measuring the world. The image has one foot over the head of king Mahabali. The other is raised parallel to the floor. His hands are stretched out, the fingers counting two in one hand and one in the other, reminding the devotee of his two steps taken, and yet to take the third. The deity is not of stone but of stucco which has periodic applications of special oil.

This is a rare image, especially the size. Despite the dimensions, the sculptor had an eye for detail, evident in the dress and ornaments and what was remarkable was that despite the size and the low light in the room, there was an obvious sense of action in the image that was palpable to the viewer.
G

Private Reply to Shobha(usha) gowri

Aug 31, 2007 6:17 amre: Thread for :Indian Heritage and Architecture#

Shobha(usha) gowri

This is a request for those of you who have visited other temples,marvels of architecture,places of interest (not tourist destinations) but those that are examples of who we were and what we are.
I am trying to create a database so people find newer and exciting places to visit and may be collectors and photo shoot lovers to find new destinations
I am sure many of us don't have the time to write :so do send me the name of the place /architectural marvel and I will fill in the details
G

Private Reply to Shobha(usha) gowri

Aug 31, 2007 7:01 amre: re: Thread for :Indian Heritage and Architecture#

Ruchira Gupta
Hi, Am new to Bangalore and looking for some interesting heritage places nearby to visit. Any suggestions are welcome.

Private Reply to Ruchira Gupta

Aug 31, 2007 9:21 amre: re: re: Thread for :Indian Heritage and Architecture#

Rohit Hangal
Hi Ruchira,

you could start with doing a Bangalore heritage walk with Arun Pai..best way to know about Bangalore's heritage..you could log on to bangalorewalks.com for further details...

cheers

Rohit

Private Reply to Rohit Hangal

Aug 31, 2007 11:57 amre: re: re: re: Thread for :Indian Heritage and Architecture#

U V Umesh
Hello!
I am just back after a short trip to Kundapura(social visit) and in the course of my stay I chanced to stray to a road that leads to Hattiangadi and came across a temple dedicated to Kunti(Goddess Kuntiamma Temple). I heard this is the only temple in India dedicated to Kunti!

When probed further with the priest there, he was quite new (about 5 years) and had no knowledge about its origin but attributed that the temple was more than 1000 years old and people who wished to have children and could not came specially to pray this goddess.

The idols represented there are 3 deities just behind an anthill which was an abode of snake.

Any more inputs on this would be good to those who know little bit more...........

Umesh U V
Art Consultant
http://affordindianart.com

Private Reply to U V Umesh

Aug 31, 2007 7:56 pmre: Thread:Indian Heritage Architecture:Chettinad palaces#

Shobha(usha) gowri
The Chettinad palaces:
links:http://www.indiaprofile.com/monuments-temples/chettinad.htm
and http://www.karaikudi.com/chettinadhouse.htm and
http://www.pbase.com/oochappan/chettinad

Driving down the roads of Karaikudi is like a sci-fi movie.It is so warped in time-time just stood stil here as her inhabitants left for far off shores. The style of the construction is unbelievable-small gates leading to gigantic houses that sprawls cross streets maybe two or three.Colors,riotous and shapes and materials -just mind boggling
If you can think eclectic this is the architecture you can visualize--The marble was brought from Italy, chandeliers and teak from Burma, crockery from Indonesia, crystals from Europe and wall-to-wall mirrors from Belgium. The woodwork and stonework was inspired that of the houses in France and other European destinations.

Here is that famous chicken chettinad:
ngredients:
• 1 Chicken
• 1 tsp Turmeric powder
• 1 tsp Cayenne pepper
• 3/4 Inch piece ginger
• 1 tsp Ground coriander
• 6 Curry leaves
• 2 Onions
• 2 Garlic pods
• Black peppercorns
• 2 Ounces Kurumulaku
• 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
• 3/4 Cup peeled and chopped tomatoes
• Salt to taste
Cooking Instructions:
• Chop the chicken into pieces.
• Fry chopped onions, ginger and garlic in the vegetable oil.
• Add remaining spices and fry for a few minutes.
• Add tomato pieces and salt. Fry for another 5 minutes.
• Add chicken pieces and mix well to coat them with the gravy.
• Put the lid and simmer the contents for about half an hour.
• The mixture would turn almost dry. Occasionally add a little water if required.
• Chettinad chicken is ready to serve.



and the Summa kolambu:(
Ingredients:
• 2 Onions
• 2 Tomatoes
• Coriander leaves (2 bunches)
• 1 tsp Fennel seeds
• 1 tsp Fenugreek seeds
• 4 Garlic flakes
• 3 tbsp Tamarind paste
• 1/4 tsp Turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp Coriander powder
• 1/4 tsp Chilli powder
• 5 Green curry leaves
• Salt to taste
• Oil for frying
Cooking Instructions:
• Add 1 cup water to the tamarind paste.
• Chop the onions and tomatoes.
• Heat the oil.
• Put fennel seeds, fenugreek seeds and curry leaves.
• Now add chopped garlic, onions and tomatoes.
• Saute them well.
• Mix chilli powder, turmeric powder and corainder powder.
• Saute them well.
• Add tamarind paste and salt.
• Boil it covered till it turns thick.
• Garnish it with coriander leaves.

Private Reply to Shobha(usha) gowri

Sep 01, 2007 8:06 amThiruvalanchuzhi#

Ramji
Ha, Gowri, an interesting thread.

Thiruvalanchuzhi - a temple near Swamimalai. The diety here is made of sea foam and has no abhishekam. Only archanas. One of the most neglected, but beautiful temple in this area. The tranquility and peace of mind you get here is unparalleled. I really love this place.

A very big temple, with a big praharam, the temple is totally deserted, since many people do not go there.

Worth a visit, in my opinion!

Gowri, as and when I find time, will keep coming up with such interesting stories......

Private Reply to Ramji

Sep 01, 2007 8:08 amKikka, near Sringeri#

Ramji
Kikka, about 40 kms from Sringeri. A Shiva temple, the stone has deer horns growing out of it. A very mythological place, but very few know about this. Totally deserted and not known to many, this temple has very few visitors. You have to really try and find it!

Close to Sringeri, can travel and be back in a day.

Private Reply to Ramji

Sep 01, 2007 10:58 pmre: Thiruvalanchuzhi#

Shobha(usha) gowri
Ramji-thank you so much both for the appreciation and the info.
also this is exactly what we want to share-places that so few people know about and ones that are so exceptional
Thanks once again
G

Private Reply to Shobha(usha) gowri

Sep 03, 2007 11:47 amSivagange#

Ramji
Sivagange - enroute from Bangalore to Tumkur, about 40 kms away from Bangalore. Lovely place, and the temple is on a hillock. What is special?

This is a Shiva temple with a Lingam. When you pour ghee on the lingam, you get butter! Yes, I have visited this temple and have tasted the butter! You can check this out!

A very ancient temple, with a lot of history!

Private Reply to Ramji

Sep 03, 2007 11:51 amVidyashankar Temple, Sringeri#

Ramji
Vidhyashankar Temple, Sringeri, in the Mutt premises. Close to Sharadhamba Temple, the ruling diety of Sringeri.

Built by Hakka and Bukka, the pioneers of the Vijayanagar empire, this temple is a marvel. It is built on twelve pillars. The beauty is that, every month, the sun falls on one pillar (the month followed in the ancient days, not our Roman month), and that one pillar only! Not on any other pillar. It is a marvel of architecture. The architecture is superb, with even the anklets of the lady being very clearly visible. But of course, the temple is not frequented by many, except for those visiting Sringeri. Many do not even know these things!

Private Reply to Ramji

Oct 19, 2007 4:59 amre: Thread:Indian Heritage Architecture#

Shobha(usha) gowri
Apologize for the delay:
am starting a new post on the Navagraha temples around Mayiladuthurai(Mayuram) -Kumbakonam:
Surya Navagrahastalam -- Tirumangalakkudi(SuriyanarKoil)
Chandra Navagrahastalam -- Tingaloor
Angaarakan Navagrahastalam -- Puttirukku Velur (Vaithiswarankoil)
Budha Navagrahastalam -- Tiruvenkaadu
Guru Navagrahastalam -- Aalanguidi
Sukra Navagrahastalam -- Kanjanoor
Shani Navagrahastalam -- Tirunallaar
Raahu Navagrahastalam -- Tirunageswaram
Ketu Navagrahastalam -- Keezhperumpallam

Lots of details available and hence am doing one temple at a time.
Also trying to put in a bit on why these temples have or are gaining tremendous popularity-a bit of astrology too?

Private Reply to Shobha(usha) gowri

Oct 28, 2007 10:34 amre: re: Thread:Indian Heritage Architecture#

Shobha(usha) gowri
Another fascinating discovery before I go to the navagrahas.
Thirupattur:27 kms from Tiruchi
Brammapuriswarar temple
A temple dedicated to Brahma
ancient and in ruins-the temple is now going through a revival of faith
It is believed that Brahma once had 5 heads and he became so conceited that He was the creator.Shiva unable to take it anymore had to show him he good destroy anything and therefore plucked off one of the heads of Brahma.
Brhma then sought forgivance and went about seeking help.He is said to have set up many Shiva Sthalas and finally at Thirupattur was given Moksha.
The temple houses a Shiva sanctum sanatorium and then there is a huge Brahma -very unique.
The stunningly beautiful Goddess is called Brahma Sampatha Gowri
The temple today has many coming in to offer their thanks-it is believed that this a good shetram for marriage and that those seperated can come together again.It is an important sthala for business too.
More importantly it is believed that it will change your destiny!!
Faith moves mountains-many times when we hear or read these stories we laugh at them-because it isnt "logic".But to those down-for those in the throes of problems ,these temples become a source of hope and in the simple stories is the message that however high up you might be ,some things can bring about your downfall or act as impediments to happiness.

Private Reply to Shobha(usha) gowri

Oct 28, 2007 7:32 pmre: re: re: Thread:Indian Heritage Architecture#

Shobha(usha) gowri
The Suryanar at Thirumangalakkudi temple faces west. The presiding deity here is Suryanarayana in a chariot like vimaanam, representing the sun's chariot.
A temple for Sun is very unique though you can find the sun or a navagraha in many or almost all temples.
There are also shrines to Kasi Viswanathar, Visalakshi and Brihaspati (Guru) in the sanctum. Shrines to the other celestial bodies are located outside of the sanctum.

The sanctum and the ardhamandapam are built of stone, while the rest of the shrines are brick structures. The Kol Theertha Vinayakar shrine is considered to be of importance here. An elaborate worship protocol involving circumambulating the entire temple nine times, is prescribed for devotees visiting the temple.

Private Reply to Shobha(usha) gowri

Oct 28, 2007 8:16 pmre: re: re: re: Thread:Indian Heritage Architecture#

Shobha(usha) gowri


Parasuramesvara temple


Gudimallam


Chittoor
A world heritage monument-close to Thirupathi-Tirumala
The linga is about 14 feet high and is so uniquely carved in order to make it look real!!
It has all the three lords carved on it and at what is the fore of the lings is Brahma-with Vishnu in the middle
The temple is circular in shape and once a year the rays of the sun fall directly on the lord
Parasuramam was supposed to have installed the linga/or worshipped it and prayed to it and in order to bathe the Lord was supposed to have connected it to the Ganges through an underground canal
Once a year water rushes in through the opening and the linga gets covered in water and later just drains away
Since it is a preserved monument no photos and no poojas

Private Reply to Shobha(usha) gowri

Oct 28, 2007 8:24 pmre: re: re: re: Thread:Indian Heritage Architecture#

Shobha(usha) gowri

Two more temples in the vicinity of Tirumala
A two day trip and you can see all of these marvels
1)Kanipakam Vinayak Temple, Kanipakam, Chittoor
The Kanipakam Vinayak Temple has the swayam-bhu idol of Lord Vinayaka (Ganesh).The Temple is located in the village town of Kanipakam which is 12 km from Chittoor and 70 km from Tirupati.
The Lord is said to solve problems and the crowds are huge-and the Ganesha is so absolutely cute and worth a visit


Private Reply to Shobha(usha) gowri

Oct 28, 2007 8:34 pmre: re: re: re: re: Thread:Indian Heritage Architecture#

Shobha(usha) gowri
The second is something many people miss when they go to Thirupathi-Tirumala
Down in Tirupathi are these famous temples:
Sri Govindarajaswami Temple, Tirupati:
A very important shrine it has the Lord lying down with a bundle under his head.
He is the treasurer/financier of the Lord of Tirumala-Balaji.
why is he lying down?because he became so tired counting the money!!!
Even today the books from Tirumala are brought down to him first and he is shown the accounts!!!
The temple also has all the following shrines-so you will need time to see all
The sub-temples in its premises are:

* Sri Parthasarathiswami Temple
* Sri Kalyana Venkateswaraswami Temple
* Sri Andal Temple
* Sri Salai Nachiyar Ammavari Temple
* Sri Ramanuja Temple
* Sri Vyasaraya Anjaneyaswami Temple (Near Dwajasthambham)
* Sri Tirumangai Alwar Temple.
* Sri Kurath Alwar Temple
* Sri Madhurakavi Alwar Temple
* Sri Chakrathalwar Temple.
* Sri Mudal Alwar Temple.
* Sri Manavala Mahamuni Temple.
* Sri Vedantha Desikar Temple.
* Sri Woolu Alwar Temple.
* Sri Anjaneyaswami Temple(Near outer Bugga).
* Sri Nammalwar Temple.
* Sri Sanjeevarayaswami Temple (opposite the Hathiramjee Mutt)
* Sri Eduru Anjaneyaswamy Temple.
Each of the Lords are stunning in their majesty-esp Parthasarathi
Andal is another form that will stay with you for a long time
Dont forget to stand and look uppppp at the Gopuram

Private Reply to Shobha(usha) gowri

Oct 28, 2007 8:39 pmre: re: re: re: re: Thread:Indian Heritage Architecture#

Shobha(usha) gowri
Sri Kodandaramaswami Temple, Tirupati
My all time favorite-the Lord in all his majesty as Sri Rama with a huge bow in His hand
This temple, which was built by a Chola king during the tenth century AD, is situated in the heart of the Tirupati town. The presiding deities are Sita, Rama and Lakshmana.

The temple of Anjaneyaswami, which is directly opposite, is a subshrine of this temple. According to legend, this temple commemorates the visit of Sri Rama to Tirupati.
So says the site....
Unique bec the Lord stands as Ram -Lakshman -Sita and with Sita on His left.The idol is as large as the Balaji ido; and majestic

Private Reply to Shobha(usha) gowri

Oct 28, 2007 8:51 pmre: re: re: re: re: re: Thread:Indian Heritage Architecture#

Shobha(usha) gowri
One more...as I wouldnt like to leave without talking about my little baby -Ambegal Krishna
On your way to Mysore-close on the highway-is Dodda Malur
AS you drive from Bangalore you will come across a large LIC building before Maddur-on the left is the temple
The main temple they say is near 2500 years old-aside....
the main deity is Apprameyia-the only temple that the Lord is called as Apprameyia-Vishnu
And then to the side is a small Krishna shrine-as Ambegal-meaning with one leg lifted up as he crawls along
The size of a small baby crawling on all four-he has curly hair and a laddoo in his hand
At one time no one came here-today hoards of tourist land here because they come to pray for a child
Woman sing songs to him and it is such a heart warming site
In case the temple is closed or if it has not been opened yet pl ask for the poojaris to come -they will willingly show you the Lord
God bless

Private Reply to Shobha(usha) gowri

Oct 29, 2007 1:19 amre: re: re: re: re: re: re: Thread:Indian Heritage Architecture#

Manoj Sethu
Wow! Shobha, You are an encyclopedia of heritage sites?

I hear there is a new Golden Temple that's been installed near, is it Pondicherry? Or Madurai? To which Goddess/God is it dedicated to?

Private Reply to Manoj Sethu

Oct 29, 2007 8:09 amre: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Thread:Indian Heritage Architecture#

Shobha(usha) gowri
Thanks Manoj and no-not really-just that the guys at work know of my enormous love for these places.So I go and see and share and hope one day to form a group that can travel to these places before they are gone
Can I find out this detail for you-not Madurai bec I wd have heard about it-let me check that out for you
S

Private Reply to Shobha(usha) gowri

Oct 29, 2007 9:13 amre: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Thread:Indian Heritage Architecture#

Manoj Vijayan
Amazing the amount of knowledge you have Shobha, your love for the temples really shines through! If only it was possible to supplement the writing with some photos--cannot really visualize what you're describing :-(

Best wishes
Manoj

Private Reply to Manoj Vijayan

Oct 29, 2007 10:32 amre: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Thread:Indian Heritage Architecture#

Manoj Sethu
Reg photos, iam not sure if you can do it on Ryze?

Ok, reg the golden temple, I just got to hear from a colleague who just returned from there this morning that it is near Vellore and it is Narayani temple. I am told it is an amazing place, she described it `heaven'.

Private Reply to Manoj Sethu

Oct 29, 2007 10:51 amre: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Thread:Indian Heritage Architecture#

Manoj Vijayan
Can be done Manoj--you can use sites like www.tinypic.com and post the link. It'll show up as a picture on the Ryze post.

Best
Manoj

Private Reply to Manoj Vijayan

Oct 29, 2007 11:22 amre: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Thread:Indian Heritage Architecture#

Raja Ram
Recently took the trip down south and touched Then Kasi, close to coutrallam falls.The temple here dedicated to Lord Shiva ,is a huge complex set to have constructed admist champak grove.There is an old tree which several hundred years old tucked away in a corner.The other dieties have a huge temple carved out for them inside the sanctum.It takes quite a bit of walking to cover these temples inside.
This temple to many is "Kasi of the South"//Then Kasi as the name goes.The preist told us that many who cannot travel all the way to the north perform their rituals here.
A wonderful experience is to stand below the huge gopuram and feel the swift air currents that ciculate right below.One can see the women/men folks walking into this area and clutching on to their saree/dhoti.Just step out and your breeze around is normal.Am amazing feat---a construction marvel!
The famous water falls courtallam is only 5km away.A sure cool place for a good body massage by professionals and all the oil washed away by the gushing waters.

Private Reply to Raja Ram

Oct 29, 2007 11:37 amre: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Thread:Indian Heritage Architecture#

Shobha(usha) gowri
wow-thank you Manoj.I have so many photographs but didn't know how to upload-will try it out
Thanks once again

Private Reply to Shobha(usha) gowri

Oct 29, 2007 12:01 pmre: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Thread:Indian Heritage Architecture#

Shobha(usha) gowri
Manoj-uploaded it at tinyPic-what e-mail id should I give to post to Ryze?
Thanks

Private Reply to Shobha(usha) gowri

Oct 29, 2007 12:25 pmre: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Thread:Indian Heritage Architecture#

Manoj Vijayan
Shobha--after uploading a picture you'll get this image: Image and video hosting by TinyPic Select and copy the first option, i.e. "html for websites", and paste the code into your post. When you preview the message you should be able to see the image. BTW I found this through trial and error--don't know a lick of html :-) Cheers Manoj

Private Reply to Manoj Vijayan

Oct 29, 2007 12:37 pmre: re: re: re: re: re: re: Thread:Indian Heritage Architecture#

Shobha(usha) gowri
Ok-heres a bit on temple architecture and a bit on worship in a temple
if one enters temple-an ancient one -then it starts with a huge gopuram at the entrance.On it-if we can stand and stare for hours we will see all kinds of images-living beings,demons and all living forms.It represents the world-and as Hinduism is not a religion -but a way of life-it accepts the fact that the world is full of color and different energies-be it sexual or sheer life as we see it.
So as one enters the temple one comes in from a living world -the second gopura will have life forms but fewer in number,As you grow in spirituality-not religiosity-you see the outside world but its impact on you is less
As one proceeds to the sanctum sanatorium the gopuras will become plainer till the ss is the smallest and plainest.
The external world seizes to have an enormous impact on us
So a self aware individual is aware of the world but is not caught up in it and twirled and tossed around by it.
The movement from the outside world to the inside is also a journey of the soul form the outside world to the seeking of God or the spirit in our selves:therefore God exists not in the Heavens but in ourselves and the Gita reinforces that for us-for within us is the vishwa roopam-all life forms exist in us and we in all the living forms-and therefor non-violence and respect for every living form
SO the sanctum sanctorium will be dark for we have reached right inside our souls-if we are to see the God in ourselves then we have to light the camphor-the camphor of Knowledge and wisdom
Swamiji(of Tiruparaithurai)would ask us what do you do when the camphor is lit?-we all close our eyes to pray!!yet the camphor is lit for us to see the power in all it glory!!So he would say open your eyes and see the God-then close your eyes if you have to:-))

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Oct 29, 2007 12:40 pmre: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Thread:Indian Heritage Architecture#

Shobha(usha) gowri
Thank you so much-heres to some great pics- enjoy

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Oct 29, 2007 12:45 pmre: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Thread:Indian Heritage Architecture#

Shobha(usha) gowri
The other thing to note about the temple architecture:
just like human beings temples too will have their rise and fall.
They will have a period of great times and then no one will come in till it falls in to disarray -and then of course the time will come when it will be "discovered"!!!
Looking at it-we have to take courage about our lives too-to wait and lie low in bad times for the good times are around the corner
S

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Oct 29, 2007 12:54 pmre: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Thread:Indian Heritage Architecture#

Shobha(usha) gowri
The third piece of info :what do you ask the God in the temple?:
Ancient temples werent built in traffic islands or any piece of land
It is said they calculated the convergence of the planets at a particular point and then gave the idol a shape and form
So why is Venkateshwara or Balaji in that form?-bec the formation is one of Kubera and the Lord there is making money and will make money for a long time to come in Kaliyuga
He is away from his wife and consort-have to isnt it if you
are somewhere earning money?-but unlike mere men He carries his Consort in his heart-for with out her he is just a Lord and not the "Srivaru"
So Balaji is money and business,Tiruparangkundram is studies and marriage
When you go to a temple and pray ask for the right thing-asking the Health minister for wealth sounds odd doesnt it ?
So a good thing to do is to find what the lord represents and pray for it there:-))not ulta pulta

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Oct 29, 2007 12:54 pmre: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Thread:Indian Heritage Architecture#

Manoj Vijayan
Everything rises and falls again in cycles! Very true Shobha...

Private Reply to Manoj Vijayan

Oct 29, 2007 1:04 pmre: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Thread:Indian Heritage Architecture#

Shobha(usha) gowri
Last of the series:when in a temple look at all the living beings celebrated in that temple-every temple will have a tree,a pond (water body),an animal,insect,flower that it celebrates!!it sanctifies even the smallest the most goose bump producing guy too -lizards,crawlies,
Hinduism is a way of life not a religion and therefore when you pray you don't need the poojari-do your prayers the way you want it
Why the Thirtams?
Because the idols were made of stone that is made medicinal by anointing in oil.The Azhagar temple in Madurai anoints the Lord with oil for three months in a year during which time the Lord is never adorned with jewels!!They then use camphor and the Thulasi in the water make it a medicine!!!
And that mythical beast in South Indian temples is called a Yazhi-I heard a father tell his kid that it was a dragon-it isnt

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Oct 29, 2007 1:08 pmre: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Thread:Indian Heritage Architect#

Shobha(usha) gowri
a href="http://tinypic.com" target="_blank">Image and video hosting by TinyPic

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Oct 29, 2007 1:09 pmre: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Thread:Indian Heritage Architecture#

Shobha(usha) gowri
Whoa-ho
Thanks a ton Manoj
U

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Oct 29, 2007 1:12 pmre: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Thread:Indian Heritage Architecture#

Shobha(usha) gowri
Image and video hosting by TinyPic Thirupattur-Tiruchi The pic says in Tamil-the Lord who changes your destiny/fate-Brahma

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Oct 29, 2007 1:21 pmre: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Thread:Indian Heritage Architecture#

Shobha(usha) gowri
Image and video hosting by TinyPic

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Oct 30, 2007 8:54 amre: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Thread:Indian Heritage Architecture#

s venkatesan
One cannot say all the superalative stuff of Great work!
Amazing the information that you have gathered, sometimes one missed out all the small temples in and around your place and we may go all over, one should chek the following temples in Chennai,Coimbatore ,
Anthapadbananban, kapaleshwar, marudeeshwar, parthsarathy,
naganallur hanumur, coimbatore u have hanumar, ramar temple in the heart of city.
Am unable to get details, but will try and send.

I should thank you as you have given lots of inputs on temples in and around south india.

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Nov 02, 2007 7:27 amThread:Indian Heritage Architecture#

Shital Barman
HI Usha,
This is a wonderful thread, i have been keely following and have not replied because did not have any input. But I had to write in to let you know how much i appreciate this information. I am saving all this information to use when i do get a chance to visit these places.
Thanks and keep up the good work.
Shital

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Nov 05, 2007 4:13 pmre: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Thread:Indian Heritage Architect#

Shobha(usha) gowri
Dear Shobha

That's a nice topic.

Few of the places i would like to tell about are
1. Srirangam +(around Srinragam- Brahma temple+ Samyapuram)
2.Melukote -Between Mandya & Mysore
3.Somanathpur--(Between Mandya and Mysore )
4.Kotilingeswara Temple (Near Kolar)
5.Gatti Subramanya
6.Kuke Subramanya
7.Durga Temple in Mangalore
8.Nagercoil ( one can cover the kanyakumari , and the Trimurthi Temple which is between Nagercoil and Kanyakumari)

Surabhi Vani

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Nov 05, 2007 4:16 pmre: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Thread:Indian Heritage Architect#

Shobha(usha) gowri
Thank you-to all of you who write in and those who dont!!
Many write in to say they dont have much to share-but thats ok.
If this thread is proving useful it is my pleasure to share more.
S

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Nov 05, 2007 4:21 pmre: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Thread:Indian Heritage Architecture#

Shobha(usha) gowri
I have detail son some of the temples that you have mentioned and some of them are such beauties-may be you could write in and I could give more details
S

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Nov 05, 2007 5:09 pmre: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Thread:Indian Heritage Architecture#

Shobha(usha) gowri
Image and video hosting by TinyPic Image and video hosting by TinyPic a href="http://tinypic.com" target="_blank">Image and video hosting by TinyPic Shri Chottanikara Bhagavathy temple The temple that is not meant for the weak hearted-the temple where the Mother is seated in all her majestic form but with the most warm and soft heart The Divine Mother known as Rajarajeswari (Adiparasakthi) is worshipped here in three forms Saraswathy in the morning, Lakshmi at noon and Durga in the evening. resplendent is the only word I can think of- variously called as Ammenarayana, Devinarayana, Lakshminarayana and Bhadrenarayana she is worshiped with great piety Here is a temple like Suchindram-the place where people "possessed "assemble.The pooja at night 8 for her sister in the Kizhukkavu Bhagavathy temple must be seen to be believed. There is a tree in this temple full of nails that were driven with the forehead by devotees who came here to be cured-yet not a drop of blood would have come out of the head nor even the skin break!! MAKOM Thozhal" (worship on the Makom day) is the most important festival of the temple which is celebrated in the month of Kumbham. (Feb / March) It is believed that Bhagavathy in her full attire gave darsan to Vilwamangalam Swamiyar on the Makom day and appears on the same day every year for giving darsan to the devotees in her special appearance. The Bhadrakaali at Kizhukkavu is believed to exorcise evil spirit from devotees, after conducting bhajanam.(from the official website) A very interesting story-dont know if it is authentic-is that at one in the afternoon the nada-or the temple -is closed.Just before one the neivediyam is offered to the Goddess and the bells peal.It is believed that this is to inform her older sister in a temple close to Managlore that the neivediam is being offered.so the elder sister is first fed and then in Chottanikara The temple can be reached easily from Cochin.

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Nov 06, 2007 7:45 amre: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Thread:Indian Heritage Architecture#

Shobha(usha) gowri
Another temple sri Parthasarathy temple in Chennai -a divya desam The temple is in Triplicane which is Thiru Vellikeni /Thiru alli because of the lotus-lily blooms in the tank a href="http://tinypic.com" target="_blank">Image and video hosting by TinyPic I am copying out info from Wiki bec the info is perfect- The presiding deity of this temple is Sri Venkata Krishna swamy. This deity is also called Geeta Charya The idol had a A conch in its right hand and the Gnana Mudra, (indication of knowledge) pointing to his holy feet signifying the highest idol of teaching, the essence of the Geetha. Lord Venkateswara promised King Sumathi that he would give darshan as Lord Parthasarathy. In order to keep the promise, the Lord Venkateswara appeared as Lord Parthasarathy. Sage Athreya had installed the idol of Lord Parthasarathy Swami. Legend has it that the parents of the great SriVaishnava acharya, Sri Ramanuja came to this temple and prayed to the Lord for a son and eventually the great acharya was born. It is also believed that the great saint Sri Ramanuja is none other than the Lord Parthasarathy himself who was born to revive the Vishistadvaitha. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna was the charioteer for Arjuna during the Mahabharata war when he gave the Hindu holy book of Bhagavad Gita. The most amazing part of it is- the main deity, Sri Parthasarathy's face is full of scars created by the arrows of the Great Bhishma in the Kurukshetra war. Other unusual things about this deity are that He is seen with a moustache and without his weapon Chakra. Image and video hosting by TinyPic The reason attributed is that He promised not to take weapons in the Mahabharatha war and hence he has only his conch. As He was the charioteer He sported the moustache keeping with the tradition. The UTSAVAR (the procession deity, usually made of metal instead of stone) also has only a stick and not his mace as found with others. This is because the Lord was born in a cowherd clan. Theh Narasimhar and the Ranganatha here are very unique too . Next time round you are in Chennai-do combine the beach visit with a visit to the Parthasarathy temple

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Nov 06, 2007 7:59 amre: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Thread:Indian Heritage Archi#

Shobha(usha) gowri
Climb these mountains and test your will and power and strength!! Two of the hills I have found stunning in their climb:the Thirukkadigai or Sholingapuram near Arakonam in Madras and the other Thiruchengodu in Erode Image and video hosting by TinyPic The Lord is the Yoga Narasimhar and in all there are three hills!!Anjaneya on one-He was supposed to have done His Tapas here after the passing away of Rama So you go up one climb down and go up the other!!! Climbing the hill was in itself an experience-2000 steps This divya desam houses the Goddess Amirthavalli I recollect the fabulous prasadam we had on top of the hill!! But the climb is exhilarating The other is of course Thiruchengode-Shiva as Ardhanari What a climb-there were places were we had to kneel in order to get to the next step-treacherous some but another test of your will and strength

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Nov 06, 2007 10:33 amre: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Thread:Indian Heritage A#

Kiran Bhat
Hi Everybody,

Thank you ryze alas atleast I found some news on interesting temples.

Thanks a lot everybody for the information on temples. Remember the following whenever you go to traditional temple. Dont fail to do the below:

1. Just before entering the temple always look for highest peak of the temple and look for the kalasha. Do a namaskar before you enter.

2. Once you have seen the temple finished with darshanam and once you come out of the temple do a namaskar to the complete premises. Since there is a chance that you could have missed worshiping some god / goddess / bhuthas which hold the final say for that place.

Will come shortly on this topic with a lot more information. Till then happy templing (new word) and let GOD BLESS everybody. SARVE JANO SHUKHINO BHAVANTHU

SMILE !!! :o)

Kiran Bhat

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Nov 07, 2007 1:54 pmre: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Thread:Indian Herita#

Shobha(usha) gowri
Thank you Kiran and all others who seem to be enjoying this thread.
If there is a particular request on any temple do write in-may be we can find information on it?
G

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Nov 07, 2007 2:06 pmre: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Thread:Indian Heritage Archi#

Shobha(usha) gowri
A piece of info-if you are going to a temple in Kerala remember to take your dhotis with you and also an angavastra
All-nearly all-temples will not allow men to go with pants.But if you dont have one ,buy one at the entrance or take one from the temple
Its no-no-to wear salwar kameez for women -you have to wear a saree or a "mundu".If you dont know how to wear one do what I do-wear your salwar and your mundu over it.
In a Kerala temple the priest will throw the sandalwood paste at you-dont feel offended-it still is a very orthodox community
If any of you need to see an astrologer you will find some amazing ones in these temples
Let me share this with you:In Chottanikara we were sitting in the priests house waiting for him to come-and there ,his son and another astrologer were looking at the horoscope of a girl -neither the girl nor her brother who gave it to the astrologer were present there.
The astrologer then said this girl cant get married easily as she had murdered her husband in the last birth!!We of course looked absolutely stunned.When the brother came in the astro said-it will take time and do a prayachitam...etc...
And then the girl walked in-to this day I can remember the goose bumps I had-she had the demeanor of violence-and her voice-to this day I can hear it ringing in my years!!
So much for past lives and astrology of course

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Nov 07, 2007 2:33 pmre: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Thread:Indian He#

Shobha(usha) gowri
Temples were not just places of worship-it was a social-community-stress busting area.The mantras were breathing exercises and the walk around the temple your exercise for the day.
But above all it was will power!!
So here are two temples:one the Thiruvananalai temple-tomorrow when they light he lamp atop the hill is the beginning of the Karthikai month
The lamp is never to go out and when it does it foretells disaster-it did once and Danashkodi happened.
Well for those of you who love a long walk-do the "Girivallam "here-you can walk round the base of the hill-about 14 kms in all-on a new moon or Poornima day
Beginning Nov you will lots of company
The other is Thirupparamkuram-5 kms from Madurai-where you can do your 'girivalam"
This is an excellent place to worship Guru-Jupiter and for marriages

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Nov 07, 2007 2:55 pmre: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Thread:Indian Heritage A#

Shobha(usha) gowri
Azhagar-the handsome
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu visited Madurai taking the human form of "Alagar" to give away his sister Meenakshi in marriage to Sundareswarar.(Shiva-also means beuatiful/good looking/handsome) But He then storms out of the city at the perceived insult by the city, which did not throw a formal welcome in his honor.

Ever since, Meenakshi Kalayalam (Meenakshi's Marriage) is re-enacted every year as part of the Chithirai festival in the famous Madurai Meenakshi temple. The Kallalagar (Alagar comes in a disguise of a bandit through the forest) procession also takes place to re-enact Alagar crossing Vaigai river to attend his sister's marriage. The Mahabharata says that this temple was visited by both Yudhisthira and Arjuna.(Wiki)
The marriage is a great event-for it brings together Gnanam(knowledge), sakthi(power-energy), Beauty, Bhakti and wealth all joined together in the same place.
situated atop a hill the Kalazhagar koil is another stunner-you can got here any number of times and not be bored
surrounded by forests with a temple for Lord Muruga(the nephew of Vishnu!!)it should be seen around dusk-eerie and simply unbelievable and beyond(not for the faint hearted)this temple is a must if you are in Madurai
See it during the day to see the architecture
Also the great divide of Shaivism and Vaishnavism-so obvious say in Kancheepuram and Tiruchi-thins out here with Shiva and Hari in the same temples
another unique feature is the navagrahas here-a no-no in Vishnu temples
to be cont....

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Nov 07, 2007 2:57 pmre: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Thread:Indian He#

Shobha(usha) gowri
Ullagallanda( one who measured the world) perumal-Kancheepuram-note in one of the mails above -a def must see The Lord as Vaman : Image and video hosting by TinyPic

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Nov 07, 2007 3:01 pmre: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Thread:Indian Herita#

Shobha(usha) gowri
azhagar: Image and video hosting by TinyPic

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Nov 07, 2007 3:16 pmre: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Thread:India#

Shobha(usha) gowri
Right time to talk of this temple!! Arunachaleswara Temple in Tiruvannamalai is dedicated to Lord Siva and it is one of the largest temples in India . Arunachaleswara temple is one of the "Panch Boodha Sthalams" and it is "Agni" Sthalam. Therefore th elighting of the Karthikai deepam here is a world renowned event For days ahead large ropes are twisted together to form the :Thiri"-the wick to light the lamp atop the hill in a natural basin -upppppp. And then tins of ghee will go up-tons of it Only afte rthe light is lit there are other deepams for Karthikai lit-so they would send out fireworks to announce that it is complete-there are live telecasts these days in all Tamil channels A stunning experience to be in the temple that is the largest one around with the highest gopuram among all temples. such mixed architecture too-started some time in the 10th century it was constantly built into till the late 17th century-well something like an encyclopedia-all architectural forms in one temple It has also the importance as "Padal Petra Sthalam". That is the four famous 'Saiva Saints and Poets' such Appar, Sundarar, Manichkavasakar and Thirugnana Sambandar made several poems on Lord Arunachaleswara. Image and video hosting by TinyPic Image and video hosting by TinyPic

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Nov 07, 2007 3:18 pmre: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Thread:Indian He#

Shobha(usha) gowri
Madurai-another architectural marvel and beauty: Image and video hosting by TinyPic Image and video hosting by TinyPic

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Nov 08, 2007 6:26 pmIndian Heritage - Lepakshi#

Raja Kommu
One can visit this lovely place Lepakshi in Andhra Pradesh - this is just 110km away from Bangalore and the trip can be completed in a day and come back. I have been there coule of times. Here are the details with some pics -

http://rskommu.wordpress.com/2007/11/08/lepakshi/

Private Reply to Raja Kommu

Nov 08, 2007 7:09 pmre: Indian Heritage - Lepakshi#

Shobha(usha) gowri
Thank you so much Raja-in fact Lepakshi is famous for the saree that bears its name-the Lepakshi saree
Its sounds fascinating-and thanks so ever so much
S

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Jan 05, 2008 5:27 pmre: re: Indian Heritage - Lepakshi#

Shobha(usha) gowri
Here I go again after a long hiatus
Listing the temples written about so I dont repeat them again:
1)Avudayar- Pudukottai
2)Ulagalantha perumal- Kanchipuram
3)Kundhapura (Umesh's contribution)
4)Chettinad
5)Thiruvalanchuzhi- (Ramji)
6)Kikka-Shringeri( Ramji)
7)Shivagange (Ramji)
8)Vidyasagar temple (Ramji)
9)Navagrahs
10)Tirupatur
11)Parasurameswara
12)Kanipakkam Ganesha
13)Govindaswami- Tirupati
14)Kondandaramaswami-Tirupathi
15)Ambegal Krishna- Maddur
16)Then Kashi (Rajaram)
17) Surabhi's list
18)Chottanikkara
19)parthasarathy-Triplicane-Chennai
20)Azhagar-Madurai
21)Tiruvannamalai-Annamalai
22)Lepakshi(Raja Kommu)

Hope to continue writing.....

Private Reply to Shobha(usha) gowri

Jan 22, 2008 6:34 amre: re: re: Indian Heritage - Lepakshi#

Prasad
Thanks for the excellent thread. Had an opportunity to see a few temples recently:
The Dattatreya / Anjanaeya / Navagraha temple at Hoskerehalli, Bangakore is very nice - it is a new one, though; not an ancient one.

The Navabrindavan and other temples such as the Yantrodharaka Anjaneya at Anegundi are excellent.

Navabrindavana is a set of nine 'brindavanas' where nine saints have attained 'jeeva samadhi' at different times. They are on a set of rocks in the middle of Thungabhadra river. Open air without any shelter whatsoever, puja is conducted only in one session each day - morning to noon. Then the priests return to Anegundi. You have to commute to this spot by coracle - a motor boat has been recently introduced. (Visitors note that men have to wear dhoti and women sarees; silence to be observed at the spot as the saints are in penance.) Devotees circumambulate all the nine brindavanas along one large circle drawn in yellow like a traffic line - one is not allowed to cut across. Ideal spot for meditation. There is a cave where Saint Vyasa had meditated. Anybody can sit in this cave and meditate.

Anegundi can be approached through road via Hospet (Hospet is an overnight journey by train or may be 5 to 7 hours drive from Bangalore) - it is about 45 km from Hospet via Thungabhadra dam. At Anegundi, a regular boat service takes you to Navabrindavana.

The Yantrodharaka Anjaneya temple can be reached by boat from Anegundi or from Hampi by road. Vehicles will not proceed beyond a point.

Sugriva's cave etc are on the way to this temple. Sita Devi's saree marks as she was taken away are engraved on the rocks.


Regards,
Prasad

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Jan 22, 2008 5:21 pmre: re: re: re: Indian Heritage - Lepakshi#

Shobha(usha) gowri
Thank you ever so much Prasad.It neednt necessarily be an ancient temple.
Very interestingly written too
G

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Jan 28, 2008 11:37 amTemples near Trichy......#

Ramji
Tiruvanaikovil........ near Trichy, Tamil Nadu.

A famous Siva temple, the lingam is partially immersed in water from the Cauvery. The water is a little dirty and muddy. A massive temple, with gopurams on all the four sides with very wide praharams (corridors), and a shopper's delight.

One of the most famous Siva temples in this locality with a very strong crowd coming in every day for darshan. Very close to Trichy, just about 5 kms or so from the city and well served by buses and other modes of transport.

Srirangam

One of the most famous Vaishnavite temple in South India, the abode of Vishnu. The temple probably with the largest gopuram in the world, which was renovated recently by a very famous Vishnu devotee and saint, Jeeyar Swamigal. Has a separate temple for Andal/Ambal and the other dieties like Ramanujar, etc.,

Very famous for its local customs, Srirangam is quite famous for its temples. You need to really walk and walk to reach the temple, with so many corridors and gopurams to cross.


Vayalur

A famous shrine of Murugan, the son of Siva. A very small temple by the above standards, but well known for its diety and his power, Vayalur is well served from Trichy by buses very frequently. Especially during the Sashti and other festivals, the temple resonates with Om Muruga chant.

Samayapuram

The abode of Mariyamman, and a very famous shrine. Quite a distance from Trichy, but well served by buses and other modes of transport.

A very famous temple, the devotees of Mariyamman wear red dresses and can be seen doing a lot of devotional work at the temple. A very large temple, but needs to be maintained better, in my opinion.

Pillayar

The Pillayar temple, on the rockfort is the crowning glory of Trichy. Situated amidst the city, near Main Guard Gate, the temple is situated on a hillock of rocks. Quite a climb and is the topmost level you can reach in this city. The city looks quite small, when seen from the top.

The Ganesha here is very famous and powerful and even many films have been made with this nomenclature. Lot of visitors visit this temple on a daily basis and it is situated amidst a very busy and big bazaar where shopping is a festivity for anyone. The entrance is quite deceptive and does not reveal the temple's glory until you start climbing.

More in the next...... Visited all these temples recently in Nov 2007 end....

Private Reply to Ramji

Jan 28, 2008 12:03 pmre: Thread:Indian Heritage Architecture#

Vidya Sury
What a wonderful thread, Shobha

Kumbakonam - in and around

Ayyawadi Prathyankira Devi temple in Kumbakonam - they offer dry red chilli and ghee as 'neyvediyam'- close to the Rahu Sthalam Thirnageswaram

Uppiliappan - the sanctum sanctorum has a beautifully rich deity

Thiruvidaimarudur - Siva temple - massive (as most of these temples are) almost deserted. around the praharam, while doing the pradakshanam, if you stand in one corner whisper, the person at the other corner can hear you clearly - we tried it and were amazed. The corners are at least a furlong apart. phew! This temple also has a Krishna/Perumal sannidhi.

Patteeswaram Durga - An important Durga temple - huge.

will keep adding.

:-)


Private Reply to Vidya Sury

Jan 28, 2008 12:48 pmre: re: Thread:Indian Heritage Architecture#

Shobha(usha) gowri
Thanks Ramji and Vidya(Vidya-I am happy you like it)
Waiting for more info :-))
In fact Kumbakonam and Kancheepuram-each have 108 temples!!
So many have disapperd and many more will-I photo the ones that are falling apart!!But since the religion itself believes that even temples will be born,have their moment in the sun and sie...well...
Coming back,Ramji,Thiruvannaikoil-is dedicated as its name suggests to an "annai"-elephant
The Goddess is simply a stunner!!
Mariamman is where people used to worship for keeping off pox-and she is called a "thousand eyes"after that fact.
Vidya-Kumbakonam and Mayuram are the navagrahas-what a collection.
Gowri

Private Reply to Shobha(usha) gowri

Feb 08, 2008 6:53 amre: re: re: Thread:Indian Heritage Architecture#

Karthik
Thanks to Koil Aunty.... we know some much about temble argitecture

:)

Private Reply to Karthik

Feb 26, 2008 11:16 amre: re: re: Thread:Indian Heritage Architecture#

Prasad
I had occasion to visit an ancient temple at a place caled Dadikombu near Dindigul, Tamil Nadu. The main deity is Veeraraghava Perumal and there is another deity which attracts several devotees - Bhairavan. Saturdays and, if I remember right, new moon days are crowded with hundreds of people crowding there. As it is away from the town, on Saturdays, special counters that offer some packed luch are opened - on other days I guess there are only a few visitors and they may not need the stall. There are several deities in the prakaram - Rama, Hanuman etc. The innumerable sculptures are very nice and must rank among the best. A fairly large temple compound also houses separate shrines in the distant corner - I dont recall the deity there now - with a pillar in front, damaged partially if I am right. I understand the temple was not patronised for several years, perhaps decades, till about 10 or 20 years ago. The damage must have occurred during the period of neglect. The temple is very popular now with people coming from a radius of more than 100 km.
Dindigul is well connected by road and rail. It is close to Madurai which is on the all-India tourist map. It is an overnight journey from Madras / Bangalore by rail or 7 - 8 hours by road.

Prasad

Private Reply to Prasad

Feb 27, 2008 3:46 pmre: re: re: re: Thread:Indian Heritage Architecture#

Shobha(usha) gowri
Thank you Karthik-I quite enjoyed my title of Koil Aunty.
Thanks Prasad-great info
G

Private Reply to Shobha(usha) gowri

Mar 21, 2008 4:07 pmre: re: re: re: re: Thread:Indian Heritage Architecture#

ancient strings
Dear Shobha,

Amazing work. Thank you for the detailed information. Just want to visit all these temples soon.

Have you been to this Narasimha temple in Bidar which is deeep inside a cave and one has to wade in 3 ft water for a 100 yards to reach the sanctum sanctorium .

regards
geetha

Private Reply to ancient strings

Mar 25, 2008 7:06 amre: re: re: re: re: re: Thread:Indian Heritage Architecture#

Shobha(usha) gowri
Thanks to all of you who feel this thread is worth it.
By the number in that top corner ,it is heart warming that so many of you visited this page.
Have been traveling and have lots more to write in
G

Private Reply to Shobha(usha) gowri

Jun 05, 2008 7:13 amre: re: re: re: re: re: re: Thread:Indian Heritage Architecture#

Sudhir Joshi
hi

We have Gavi Gangadareshwara temple at Gavipuram, Basavanagudi bangalore. Its a dark cave It is fact wherein a ray of light falls on the sanctum sanctorum on maha shivaratri day.

Details needs to be filled

Sudhir Joshi

Private Reply to Sudhir Joshi

Jun 19, 2008 12:37 pmre: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Thread:Indian Heritage Architecture#

Vijay Mohan
Hi,
Came across this.
- Vj

Join the Human Chain on Sunday, 22nd June 2008, 11.00 am at Agara Lake (Kormangala).

This is to protect and save the lakes of our city, which are being handed over to private developers.

Most people think "There'll be thousands of people there, it does not matter if I don't go". Unfortunately, most people's protest does not extend beyond their armchair, and you'll find that your presence does make a huge difference.

So please do take part yourself, bring kids, friends, relatives, and forward this email to as many people as you can.

Every person counts.

Brief Note on the issue: (Details are on www.esgindia.org/campaigns/Hebbal/Hebbal.html)

The Lake Development Authority plans to 'develop' lakes in Bangalore, by handing it over to private parties. Already, four prime water bodies - Agara Lake, Hebbal Lake, Vengaiah Kere and Nagawara Lakes have been leased out to commerical entities for a period of 15 years.

There is deep concern over the ongoing privatization as such development involves introduction of restaurants, kiosks, boating, water sports, jetty etc, as it has already been seen in the case of the Nagawara Lake by Lumbini Gardens Pvt Ltd, and by M/s Par C Systems in the case of Vengaih Kere. We are deeply distressed by this development as we find this unethical and counter to the objective of environment conservation and maintenance of lakes as our public commons. The kind of activities that have been allowed distance visitors from nature, and feed into a consumerist culture that we could well do without.

Incidentally, these lakes were comprehensively de-silted, restored and rehabilitated by grants from the Norwegian Government under the Indo-Norwegian Project and the National Lake Conservation Programme of the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests. As a result these lakes are fantastic water bodies and excellent habitats for birds - both migrating and local. In addition they support a wide diversity of flora and fauna, and support the livelihoods of tens of fishing families.

Over time, these lakes have been intensively used by all local residents and the general public for various purposes. While Agara is being used for walking, jogging and recreational purposes, Hebbal Lake has been used for customary and traditional occupations like fishing, grazing and irrigation. In addition, birdwatchers have been visiting these wetland habitats regularly documenting the excellent diversity of migratroy waterfowl. All these lakes, and Hebbal in particular, have been the subject of numerous scholars and researchers studying wetlands, birds, aquatic life and so on. Hebbal Lake has in fact, been repeatedly proposed for conservation as a bird refuge, and its watershed as a Regional Park (per the Lakshman Rau Committee Report 1988).

These water bodies are also critical open spaces for children of surrounding neighbourhoods whose sensibilities towards nature and its dynamics are also awakened by the easy access to such open spaces.

We sincerely believe that it is an unnecessary and damaging investment to now lease out these very lakes for advancing commercial interests. Besides being illegal this will take away our public commons and our natural heritage and will only benefit a few commercial entities. This loss will be dear and felt by present and future generations.

Keeping all this in view, we urge the Hon'ble High Court of Karnataka-- which is hearing a Public Interest Litigation filed by Environment Support Group (ESG) against privatisation of lakes-- that the programme of lake privatization must be abandoned. We strongly feel that lakes must be maintained as our common heritage, their maintenance undertaken with the cooperation of local communities and no activity inconsistent with the traditional and specific use of the water bodies should be allowed now or in the future.

As concerned individuals, we are keen to assist the Government of Karnataka and its agencies in any intervention that will ensure the protection and sustenance of our lakes systems.

Do join us in a symbolic event to be held on 22nd June 2008 at Agara Lake, Kormangala. Through the Human Chain we will symbolically express that we want to preserve and conserve our lakes for the current and the future generations.

Private Reply to Vijay Mohan

Aug 06, 2008 9:31 amre: re: re: re: Thread:Indian Heritage Architecture#

Shobha(usha) gowri
Revival?
In a way-yes
On the way to Chottanikkara the driver suddenly says...there is time ..can we go to Thirupunithura?
We are wondering...when he just drives down to Punithura.
Ok...a call we say
We had barely fifteen minutes for the Nada to close and we run
What would we not give to go back again?
Lord Poornathrayeesa is Lord Vishnu who is in the form of Santhanagopala Murthy (Savior of infants). The Lord sits under the shade of five royal hoods of the divine serpant, Ananthan, whose folded body itself acts as the throne for the Lord.
Stunningly beautiful,the Panchaloka idol just glittered in the light of the lamps.The Lord himself has a heavenly face
The Lord here is considered the older brother of the Goddess Bhagavathy in Chottanikara!!
Pal Payasam-the kheer-is offered as prasadam.One has to place an order the previous day to get the prasadam




Private Reply to Shobha(usha) gowri

Aug 06, 2008 9:38 amre: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Thread:Indian Heritage Architecture#

Shobha(usha) gowri
I often wondered if I should write this and then decided that I would:so here it goes
One of the reasons for writing this thread is not only to share information but also to help people who need to do special poojas to find the temple in which it can be done.
When an (ancient) temple was to be built they did what is very close to vaastu of today.They first decided which direction the Lord would face and thevery location was chosen very carefully.It is believed that they calculated the intersection of various palnets and then created the idol.So each form of the Lord or temple or a shrine within a temple had a specific purpose-to bless devotees for education,wealth,marriage,children and what not.
So it is believed that if there is a problem or some trouble ,you go to the correct physician
G

Private Reply to Shobha(usha) gowri

Aug 06, 2008 9:49 amre: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Thread:Indian He#

Shobha(usha) gowri
Vaitheeswaran Koil;
In its own right a very famous temple-also for the Mars(naavgraha) in this temple
The lord here is Vaitheeswaran:physician
A very unique temple in that all event scan be doen here:marriage,tonsuring hair,giving the first food(choorutal) because the Lord here lives with his family!!!
The Goddess another beautiful face-is called Thayal Nayaki:
Thaiyal in Tamil meaning-stitching together and therefore a shrine where marriages are conducted.She stitches people together in relationships!!
Shanmugha as Kumaran and the Lord:
Also the place of the nadi jyodidam
Reading of you from a palm leaf-stunning

Private Reply to Shobha(usha) gowri

Aug 06, 2008 9:59 amre: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Thread:Indian Heritage Architecture#

Shobha(usha) gowri
Prathyankira-kara Bhagavathy
What an experience!!
Dr J made it famous-as someone said before red chillies are offered as neivediyam
Unique because she is the female form of Ugara(vioulent) Narashima
Built int he midst of a graveyard or rather surrounded by a graveyard she is so unique in form.
With teeth all barred, she appears benign and is in the abhyam mudra=taking the form of mother.
For destroying enemies and overcoming fear

Private Reply to Shobha(usha) gowri

Aug 06, 2008 10:12 amre: re: re: re: Thread:Indian Heritage Architecture#

Shobha(usha) gowri
Tirukkudandai (Kumbhakonam)
Sarangapani and Komalavalli
The sheer size of the gopurams is awesome-150 ft high.The temple is in the form of a chariot and the Lord in Ananthasayana.
Here one an see the feet of the Lord which in Srirangam is kept covered.
Once again stories with a message:that when Bhrigu muni entered Vaikuntham; and out of arrogance kicked Vishnu on his chest, at having not been recognized and welcomed. The Lord though got up and quickly touched the munis feet and asked for pardon.
Lakshmi of course was furious.She was the one that lived in his heart and she was doubly angry the Lord was now serving an arrogant muni.She left for earth and settled on the banks of the Kumbhakonam tank. Bhrigu muni was reborn as Hema Rishi, and offered penance; Lakshmi was reborn as his daughter, in the Mahamagam lotus tank, and he offered her in marriage to Sarangapani. Vishnu, bears the sarangam bow in his hand.
When Lakshmi left the house ,all of Vaikundam became dark and the Lord sets out to bring her back.
Many temples in India therefore focussed man-woman relationships ,love that transcended and transformed and love that was spiritual

Private Reply to Shobha(usha) gowri

Dec 30, 2008 3:07 pmThread: :Indian Heritage Architecture - Hampi#

Raja Kommu
Been to architectural wonder Hampi and details of my trip along with some pics can be found @ http://rskommu.wordpress.com/2008/12/29/hampi-glimpse-of-a-bygone-splendid-era/

Private Reply to Raja Kommu

Jul 03, 2009 5:09 amre: Thread: :Indian Heritage Architecture - Just Going Around!#

Manu Srikumar
All,

I have started a new video blog about travel and I was in Trichy, Thanjavur and Kumbakonam sometime back. You can find some videos related to my travel on www.justgoingaround.com

Best,
Manu
www.justgoingaround.com

Private Reply to Manu Srikumar

Jul 03, 2009 8:26 amre: re: Thread: :Indian Heritage Architecture - Just Going Around!#

Suresh J
Image and video hosting by TinyPic Murudeswara Temple in the west cost

Private Reply to Suresh J

Jul 03, 2009 8:32 amre: re: re: Thread: :Indian Heritage Architecture - Just Going Around!#

Suresh J
Image and video hosting by TinyPic Load Murudeshwara The temple which embodies a Shiva Linga is believed to have erupted when Ravana (Demon King of Lanka) flung the cloth covering the Atmalinga at Gokarna while lifting it.

Private Reply to Suresh J

Jul 03, 2009 8:59 amre: re: re: re: Thread: :Indian Heritage Architecture - Just Going Around!#

Suresh J
Image and video hosting by TinyPic

Private Reply to Suresh J

Jul 03, 2009 9:14 amre: re: re: re: Thread: :Indian Heritage Architecture - Just Going Around!#

Suresh J
Mount Kailash. . Image and video hosting by TinyPic . It is the abode of Load Shiva. It is a Mountain in the shape of Linga.

Private Reply to Suresh J

Jul 04, 2009 6:10 amre: re: re: re: re: Thread: :Indian Heritage Architecture - Just Going Around!#

Shobha(usha) gowri
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8tEzezARfQ&feature=related

Found this link on You Tube:three of them just caught my interest-Meenakshi,Kanadara and asa to ma
Listen to the last in the morning-just sereneeeee
G

Private Reply to Shobha(usha) gowri

Jul 23, 2009 5:50 pmTournament of Indian Traditional Board Games#

Usha Shetty
Tournament of Indian traditional board games by Kavade

Sat 25 Jul '09, 10:00 am To Sun 26 Jul '09. 06:00 pm

In the olden days, summer vacations and any free time was spent with friends, cousins, aunts, uncles & grandparents staying in different parts of the world. Time well spent, in the absence of electronic devices that are providing entirely passive entertainment today.

In such an age when we are bombarded with videogames, television & plastic toys, it is imperative that we re-open our treasure chest of traditional games. A game with set of 4 or 6 cowrie shells has so much to teach us. Several emotions are stirred up when the shells fall with their openings upwards. These are simple pleasures that go on to make a HAPPY CHILD who will carry sweet memories of ‘growing up'.

KAVADE, a niche toy hive in Bangalore, is organising a tournament of Indian traditional board games on July 25th & 26th. (More details in the attached flier)

A single registration entitles 1 individual (age 8yrs +) & his/her parent/grandparent (if interested) to participate in the tournament.

Spread the word among interested people & let us bring back those good old days.

Please email/call to confirm your participation & provide these details by July 20th: Game/s interested in, participants name, age, male/female, contact details.
The rules of the games will be emailed back to you.

Games planned for the tournament:
Chowkabara, Pagade, AduHuli Aata, Alugulimane.

Venue:
KAVADE
# 142, Terrace,
Seshadripuram 1st Main Road
Above Green Studio
Phone: Sreeranjini - 9980022820

Registration : Rs 50

Private Reply to Usha Shetty

Jul 24, 2009 6:22 amre: Tournament of Indian Traditional Board Games#

Jayant Tewari, OutSourced CFO
Very Interesting indeed .... a few thoughts .... most of these games, I believe, are truly national in nature ... and found in every state in some form or the other ... while you've used the Kannada names here, if you could find the Hindi, Tamil & Telugu equivalents, you'd actually get a fantastic response ....
I'm unable to participate, given the fact that my daughter's just 5, but would love to buy these traditional games for my kid and her friends .... anywhere I can get them ?
Could someone give me an email ID of Kavade or a link to their website, if any ?

Private Reply to Jayant Tewari, OutSourced CFO

Jul 24, 2009 11:21 amre: re: Tournament of Indian Traditional Board Games#

Usha Shetty
You're right Jayant, they would have similar games going under different names in most parts of India, I don;t know the equivalents in other languages - Kavade itself means 'cowrie shells'.
I myself got this mail from a friend and the mail doesnt mention any website, a google check might help...there is another brand called Kreeda, they bring out traditional Indian games and they stock at Landmark and other toy/book stores. Kavade itself sells these games at that same address, its a shop.

Private Reply to Usha Shetty

Mar 19, 2010 4:55 amre: Tournament of Indian Traditional Board Games#

Shobha(usha) gowri
@Shetty Was this a wrong posting in the Heritaage space or is it a reminder of what we have lost?
G

Private Reply to Shobha(usha) gowri

Mar 19, 2010 4:57 amre: re: re: Thread: :Indian Heritage Architecture - Just Going Around!#

Shobha(usha) gowri
What a stunning picture of Murudeshwar .
Thanks and for all the pics
G

Private Reply to Shobha(usha) gowri

Mar 23, 2010 5:56 pmre: re: Tournament of Indian Traditional Board Games#

Usha Shetty
You're right Gowri - it definitely does not fall into the Indian heritage architecture thread though it would qualify for Indian heritage - then maybe its a mix of both your reasons - its also a reminder of what we have lost! I can't recollect how I put it into this thread - maybe because the topic seemed the least inappropriate of all!!

Private Reply to Usha Shetty

Mar 24, 2010 8:09 amre: re: re: re: Thread: :Indian Heritage Architecture - Just Going Around!#

Shobha(usha) gowri
Around Tirunelveli and Tuticorin are the Nava Thirupathis and the Nava Kailashs
Worth seeing it many times over.
Each with its unique stories and Moolavars.Some in the anatha sayana form and many of the Lords in the sitting form

Private Reply to Shobha(usha) gowri

Mar 25, 2010 1:25 amre: re: re: re: re: Thread: :Indian Heritage Architecture - Just Going Around!#

Suresh J
Please suggest interesting places near / around Bangalore ... one day trip with kids.

Regards
Suresh

Private Reply to Suresh J

Jan 06, 2012 2:32 amre: re: re: re: re: re: Thread: :Indian Heritage Architecture - Just Going Around!#

Shobha(usha) gowri
To think it took near two years to begin writing again:
So many changes and so many visits not shared
Well...if a temple can fall and rise so can I....write and not write...so back again...
Gowri

Private Reply to Shobha(usha) gowri

Jan 07, 2012 5:17 amThirumeeyachur-marriage#

Shobha(usha) gowri
A temple that carries the heaviness of history in its being-the fall and the rise reflecting on her face.
The Lord is called Meghanathar and the Goddess is Lalithambigai.
This is the birthplace of the Lalitha sahasranama.She sits in all her glory and it is with great effort you can take your eyes off her.The tejas, the abhyam and the feet-on which is the anklet that helped revive the temple.
The story about the anklet is quite confusing-but obviously it was covered with what looked like stone.A lady in Bangalore-yes Bangalore-had this constant dream of a lady telling her about an anklet and how the message had to reach the priest of the temple.No indications of who the lady in her dream was or where.
Finally one day a friend showed her a photo of a Goddess in an ancient temple-and from there everything fell in place.The priest didnt believe her but on her insistence agreed to chip off the stone covering the leg.
And there was a huge anklet carved on both feet-an anklet that today in the deepa arathana the priest shows to the visitors
The sthala purana abounds with many interesting characters and stories;the centre stage though is the majestic presence of the Goddess.
People come here to pray for marriage and if the numbers coming in and offering the anklet or the prayer is any indication the rise of the temple has begun.And that to me is the biggest of joys;for in the midst of the fields and among far flung tiny little villages is proof of what a majestic civilization existed.
For those of you who would like to visit are the many website with info
Dont miss the carving of Shiva-Parvathi: from one angle the Goddess looks upset with Shiva pacifying her;on the other she is seen as being coy.
A reminder of the skills and aesthetics we have lost


Private Reply to Shobha(usha) gowri

Jan 07, 2012 5:40 amRuna vimochana-Debt releif#

Shobha(usha) gowri
No not an investment plan-but an investment in ones own self;removing the barriers and speed breakers we have brought with ourselves and the ones we have created now in this life.

The temple for Shiva :Thirucherai
http://sivantemplethirucherai.com/.
Kumbakonam-Mayiladuthurai belt

The presence of two very important temples-one for Vishnu as Saarnganthan.The river Cauvery is the centre piece of the story -an amazing presence of the Lord posture; standing in full majesty
Close by is the Runa vimochana Shivalingam.In the link above are two gurukals-priests.
For those of you who need to get relief from debts write/call them.They are so unique in the way they do the poojas.
And I wont say that for many.
Debt-we can only think of money;but there are many kinds of debts of which ancestor worship is one; debts from promises made etc etc.
The lingam is powerful and the prayers add to the power.I will send the two prayers in another mail
Arulmigu Sara Parameswarar Thirukkovil
Thirucherai – 612605
Kumbakonam Taluk.
Phone: 0435-2468001
S. Sundaramurthy Gurukkal
Temple Priest
2/45-B, South Street,
Thirucherai – 612605
Kumbakonam Taluk.
Mobile: 91-9442637759, 91-9443737759


Read more http://templesoftamilnadu.co.in/2010/03/21/thirucherai-kadan-nivartheeswarar/

You can stay in Kumbakkonam for a month or more and still will not be able to see all the temples.For one there are so many-but more so because they are so gigantic and spread over acres of land ;some are humongous awe inspiring .
Any information you might need please feel free to PM me.
If there is group willing to travel too let me know
Gowri

Private Reply to Shobha(usha) gowri

Jan 07, 2012 5:48 amNadi Narasimha#

Shobha(usha) gowri
Many miss the small yet powerful one time very famous temple on the Mysore highway
Just opposite the Ambegal Krishna temple in Doddamallur is a small turning to the right -drive right on till you see a board-on through the fields-God forbid you have another car come in the opposite direction.
A small temple-for a Lord with a huge heart.
The temple opens 9 and stays open till evening-usually.
Obviously there was a river and the river changed course
Powerful Lord with a unique form of prayer-you can walk around with a coconut 108 times if you have a prayer-leave it in the temple and then when your prayers are answered you come back and offer another coconut.If the number of coconuts are a proof-there you have it
G

Private Reply to Shobha(usha) gowri

Jan 07, 2012 5:51 amSorry-the full prayer#

Shobha(usha) gowri
Runa Vimochana Sri Nrusimha Stothram

Devata karya sidhyartham sabhasthambha samudbhavam!
Sri Nrusimham mahaveeram namami runa mukthaye!!

Lakshmyaalingitha vamangam bhakthanaam varadayakam!
Sri Nrusimham mahaveeram namami runa mukthaye!!

Aantramaladharam, sankhachakrabjaaayudha dhaarinam!
Sri Nrusimham mahaveeram namami runamukthaye!!

Smaranath sarvapapagnam khadruja vishanasanam!
Sri Nrusimham mahaveeram namami runamukthaye!!

Simhanadena mahatha digdhanthi bhayanasanam!
Sri Nrusimham mahaveeram namami runamukthaye!!

Prahlada varadam Srisam daithyeswaravidharanam!
Sri Nrusimham mahaveeram namami runamukthaye!!

Krooragrahaih peedithanam bhakthanamabhaya pradham!
Sri Nrusimham mahaveeram namami runamukthaye!!

Vedavedanthayajnesam BrahmaRudradhivandhitham!
Sri Nrusimham mahaveeram namami runamukthaye!!

Ya idham patathe nithyam runamochana samjnitham
Anruni jaayathe sadhyo, dhanam seegramavapnuyath

Private Reply to Shobha(usha) gowri

Jan 07, 2012 6:06 amre: Sorry-the full prayer#

Ravi Srinivasan
Hai Usha:

Thanks for posting the Runa Vimochana sthothram.

Here is shloka which invokes Sri Nrusimha which can be chanted before the sthothramala.

Ugram Veeram Mahavishnum Jwlantham Swaromukham

Nrusimha Bheeshanam Bhadram Mruthyu Mruthyom Namayaham.

(Namami Aham)


Regards

Ravi

Private Reply to Ravi Srinivasan

Jan 07, 2012 7:22 amLalitha Maha Mantra for Sri Chakra#

phani priyank
Dear Friends,
this is one of the powerful lalitha mantra for problem solving
om ayim hreem shreem shree lalitha tripura sundari paadukam pujayaami namaha....to worship sri chakra

Private Reply to phani priyank

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