Budhan Bhagavan Thiruvenkadu, one of the navagraha sthalams, is the Budhan sthalam dedicated to Planet Mercury.

Thiruvenkadus Sanskrit name is Shwetaranya and both literally mean sacred white forest. This is also called Adhi Chidambaram and the Chidambara Rahasyam is also here. As seen in Chidambaram, Vishnu is near Nataraja. It is situated 15 kilometers away from Vaitheeswaran Koil, on the Sirkali Poompuhar road. Here the Lord is Shwetaranyeswarar and His consort is Brahma Vidyambal. Indran, Airavatam, Budhan, Suryan and Chandran are said to have worshipped Shiva here. Thiruvenkadu is one of the six places considered to be equivalent to Kasi. The other five are Rameswaram, Srivanchiyam, Gaya, Thiriveni Sangamam &Thilatharpanapuri

Swetharanyeswarar Temple From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Swetharanyeswarar Temple

Swetharanyeswarar Temple Location in Tamil Nadu

Coordinates: 111031N 794834ECoordinates: 111031N 794834E

Location Country: India State: Tamil Nadu Location: Sirkazhi, Tamil Nadu, India Temple Details Primary Swetharanyeswarar(Shiva) Deity: Consort: Brahma Vidya(Parvathi) Architecture and culture Architectural Dravidian architecture styles: Swetharanyeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple located in the town of Thiruvenkadu near Sirkazhi. The main deity is Shiva - Swetharanyeswarar ("lord of white forest") and the goddess is Brahma Vidya ambal. There is a separate Sannidhi for Bhudhan (mercury). The temple is quite large and all four important Saivite saints have sung in praise of this lord. This temple especially known for its unique incarnate of Lord Shiva called "Agora Murthi". He is one of the main god which is being prayed in this village. Thiruvengadu village is also famous for its unique structure of pools in temples. This temple has 3 pools, 3 Gods. It is a belief that who takes bath in all these pools, the one will be free from their problems like diseases, marriage etc.,. Agora Murthi[edit source | editbeta] Agora Murthi is the main God in this temple. It is said that Agora Murthi was one of the furious incarnation of Lord Shiva. There was an Evil named "Padmasuran" in Thiruvengadu. He had a deep meditation on Lord Bhrama for power. Being satisfied with his meditation, Lord Bhrama offered him many powers. But he used those powers in a wrong ways. He started to torture the saints and innocent people. Having nothing to do, all the saints and people requested Lord Shiva to put an end to this evil. As they asked, Lord Shiva took his incarnation 'Agora murthi' and killed the 'Padmasuran under a tree.( which is now in Thiruvengadu temple, back to the entrance of Agora murthi) All the people thanked Lord Shiva for saving them. Festivals[edit source | editbeta]

Chariot festival at Thiruvengadu There are many festivals which are being celebrated in this village. It includes the chariot festival which is celebrated every year in the month of February. This Chariot festival is celebrated for 10 days. On 5th day a special occasion is celebrated for Lord Agora Murthi. People from many surrounding villages would come here and pray here for their better life. Shiva and Buthan Temple[edit source | editbeta] This Shiva temple is one of the 6 most sacred places on the banks of river manikanigai and Cauvery which is considered as equivalent to the temple at Varanasi. The other 5 shivasthalams areThiruvaiyaru, Chaayaavanam, Mayiladuturai, Tiruvidaimarudur and Tiruvanchiyam. Indiran, Airavatam, Budhan, Sun God Sooriyan and Moon God Chandiran are said to have worshipped God Shiva here. From the stone inscriptions found inside this temple, it is seen that the earlier chola kings Aditya Chola and Rajaraja Chold have made a lot of contributions to this temple. There are several shrines of significance in this well visited temple, including those to Durga and Kali. The image of Natarajar here is of great beauty. Worship to Aghoramurthy - (Veerabhadrar) is said to be of significance on Sunday nights in this temple. As found in Chidambaram, there is also a shrine for Lord Vishnu near the shrine for Natarajar. This is adi(first) chidambaram because before dancing shiva in chidambaram he done the first dance here as per the HOLYINDIA . About Temple:

Thiruvenkadu, is a reference to the temple in Valmikis Ramayana. Therefore it is said that the oldest part of the temple is more than 3000 years old. Dedicated to Budhan or Mercury this temple in Thiruvenkadu makes up the last of the Navagraha Temples. Budhan is said to bestow wisdom and intellect. Budha or Mercury is considered as the greatest among the wise. This Devata bestows wisdom and wealth on his devotees. He is ruled by Lord Maha Vishnu. This temple is referred in Saiva Thirumurais and Sastras. This place is similar to Kasi with all the Snana Ghats. One can do all the karmas here, that is supposed to be done in kasi. We can find a separate sanctum sanctorum for bhudan. Bhudan holds the portfolio of Education and Arts and it is the next popular place students prefer to go after Tuition centers. This temple is situated at thiruvenkadu 59Kms away from kumbakonam and 23 Kms away from mayiladuthurai.Bus root from sirkali Bus No 5a, 5b to poombukar to sirkazhi and from

Mayiladuthurai to perunthottam 34,Anantha Nangoor 28,Mangai Madam 12, Illaya Madhu Koodam 4. Rest rooms are also available in this temple. Also known as Aadi Chidambaram, Natarajars dance here is known as Hasti Natanam. Tiruvenkadu is considered to be on par with Benares and is located on the road linking Sirkazhi & Poompuhaar. Nearby Meikandar Acchuthagapanar bathed in the three tanks, worshipped Thiruvengadar and he was blessed with a child. This child came to be known as Meikandar and became the chief of Chandanakuravars. Pattinathuadigal Thiruvengadar, the son of Sivanesan and Gnanambigai, with the blessings of a Siva Muni received Siva Indran Indran to make remedies for his sin of having killed Virudhasuran, worshipped Lord Thiruvengadar & was absolved of his sins. Iravadam Sage Durvasar gifted a mala to Indran. Indran, in his vanity threw it on his white elephant Iravadam which stamped the mala under its feet. Durvasar cursed Indran to turn into a wild elephant. Indran realising his folly formed a tank (Thadagam) in Thiruvengadu and worshipped a Siva Linga. He was blessed by Lord Siva and absolved of his sins and reached Indralogam again. Vedarasi Vedarasi, a brahmin had placed his bundle of food in the hollow of a tree. A snake residing in the hollow, spewed poison on the food. Unaware of this, Vedarasi gave this food to a vedic priest, who died of the poison. This brahmin was absolved of his Brahmahathi Dosham by worshipping Lord Siva of Suwedakedu Suwedakedu on realising that he was destined to die in his eighth year, reached Thiruvengadu and performed Siva pooja. As soon as he saw Yama, he held on to the Siva Linga tightly. Yama on seeing Thiruvengadar, ran away in fear and died. On the request of the Devas, the Lord brought Yama back to life. Those who visit Thiruvengadu will find relief from puthira dosham, poor studies, mental instability, nervous disorders. Knowledge, music, astrology, maths, sculpting, medicine, language skills are the beneficial aspects of Budan. The sthalam of Budan is Thiruvengadu, which is located 15kms from Sirgazhi enroute to Poompuhar. Budans wife is Ilai. The presiding deities are Swedharanyeshwarar and his consort Ambal. Budan is the Lord of Mithunam and Kanni Rasi and he faces the North-East direction. The Adi Devatha is Vishnu and the Prathyathi Devatha Narayanan; his colour is light green; his vahana the horse; the grain associated with him is full green moong dhal; the flower white kanthal flower; fabric- green cloth; gem maragadam; food rice mixed with moong dhal powder. Thiruvengadu. Ditchai and a Siva Linga and came to be called Pattinathu Adigal. Shivastalams include and KeezhtirukkattuppalliTiruvalampuram, Tirukkalikkaamur. TiruchaaikaaduPallavaneeswaram

Mantra Aum Vishnu Tanno Lakshmi Prachodayat Priyaye

for Mahalakshmaye dhi

Mercury vidmahe mahi

Sri Swedaranyeswarar Temple Thiruvengadu By CR. Kaushik

Sri Swedaranyeswarar Temple is located in Thiruvengadu in Nagapattinam district in Tamil Nadu. Sri Swedaranyeswarar is Shivaas Bhuda or Mercury. It is one of the Navagraha Sthalas and this temple is also one among the 51 Sakthi Peethas. This place is also called Adhi Chidambaram. Natarajas dance here is known as Hasti Natanam.

Location Sri Swedaranyeswarar temple is situated at Thiruvenkadu, in Nagapattinam District, 59 Kms away from kumbakonam and 23 Kms away from Mayiladuthurai and 10 Kms southeast of Sirkali on the Poompuhar road. Deities in the Temple Swadharanyeswarar, Nataraja, Agoramurthy, Brahmavidyambal, Swetha Mahakali and Maha Durga. Of the 64 Murthas of Lord Shiva, the Agoramurthy form is here. Here the Lord performed Six dances. Vishnu has a place near the Nataraja here as in Chidambaram. Indira, Iravadha (the white elephant) Vishnu, Sun, Moon, Agni (fire) worshipped the Lord. The presiding deity is Swedharanyeshwarar and his consort is Brahmavidya nayaki. The Lord Bhuda faces North East direction. A temple for Chandra (moon) the father of Mercury is just opposite to the Bhuda Shrine. Hymns Thiruvengadu has the pride of being sung by the Great Four, Thirugnanasambandar, Thirunavukkarasar, Sundarar and Manickavasagar. It is in Thiruvengadu Pattinathar had Sivadiksha. Legend

The demon Maruthuvan, received boons from Brahma tortured devas. The Devas went to Shiva for freedom from the demon. The Lord advised the Devas to go to Thiruvengadu and live there in disguise. Shiva sent his vehicle Nandhi and defeated the demon. The demon injured Nandhi with his trident. Infuriated by the injury on the Nandhi, Lord Shiva converted his anger into the Agoramurthy form. On seeing the Lord, the demon surrendered at his feet and begged his pardon. He also prayed that those worshiping Agoramurthy would not have enemies at all. Achuthagapanar bathed in the three tanks, worshiped Thiruvengadar and he was blessed with a child. This child came to be known as Meikandar and became the chief of Santhana Kuravars . Vedarasi, a brahmin had placed his bundle of food in the hollow of a tree. A snake residing in the hollow spewed poison on the food. Unaware of this, Vedarasi gave this food to a vedic priest, who died of the poison. This brahmin was absolved of his Brahmahathi Dhosham by worshipping Lord Siva of Thiruvengadu. When Thirugnanasambandar reached the borders of Thiruvengadu, the whole place looked like Sivaloka and the sands Sivalingas. He hesitated to place his legs on this holy land and cried Oh! Mother. On hearing his voice, Goddess Periyanayaki appeared there and took the child on her hips. The idol of Periyanayaki with Thirugnanasambandar is majestically installed in the temple. Thiruvengadar, the son of Sivanesan and Gnanambigai, with the blessings of a Siva Muni received Siva Ditchai and a Siva Linga and came to be called Pattinathu Adigal. Indra having killed Virudhasuran, worshiped Lord Thiruvengadar and was absolved of his sins. Sage Durvasar gifted a mala to Indra. Indra in his vanity threw it on his white elephant Iravadam which stamped the mala under its feet. Durvasar cursed Indra. Indra realizing his folly formed a tank Thadagam in Thiruvengadu and worshipped a Siva Linga. He was blessed by Lord Siva and absolved of his sins and reached Indraloka again. Suwedakedu on realizing that he was destined to die in his eighth year reached Thiruvengadu and performed Siva pooja. As soon as he saw Yama, he held on to the Siva Linga tightly. Yama on seeing Thiruvengadar, ran away in fear. Bhuda Among Nine Planets ( Navagraha), Budhan is said to bestow wisdom and intellect. . Offering puja to Bhuda Bhagavan on Wednesdays is believed to rectify Bhuda Dhosham. Those who visit Thiruvengadu will find relief from puthira dosham, difficulties in studies, mental instability, and nervous disorders. Knowledge, music, astrology, math, sculpting, medicine, language skills are the beneficial aspects of Bhudan. Offerings

Offering Bhudan with full green moong dhal, white flowers and green cloth is believed to bring Sastra Gnanam to devotees. Pushkarni Agni Theertha, Suriya Theertha and Chandra Theerthas Festivals Every month is a festival month. There will be flag hoisting on Tamil Masi Month (February - March) on the Punarvasu star day and continues for 10 days. Wednesdays are special at this Temple Prasadam Rice mixed with moong dhal or moong dhal powder are popular Neivadya offerings and Prasadhams at this temple.

Nagannathaswamy Temple, Keezhaperumpallam From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Naganatha Swamy Temple

Name

Proper name: Kethu Sthalam

Location

Country: India

State: Tamil Nadu

District: Nagapatnam

Location: Keezhaperumpallam

Temple Details

Primary Deity: Naganatha Swamy(Shiva)

Consort: Sowndara Nayagi(Parvathi)

Temple Tank: Naga Theertham

Architecture and culture

Architectural styles: Dravidian architecture

History

Website: http://kethutemple.org/

The Naganatha Swamy Temple or Kethu Sthalam is a Hindu temple in the village of Keezhaperumpallam, 2 kilometres fromPoompuhar. The presiding deity is Ketu, a shadow planet. However, the main idol in the temple is that of "Naganatha Swamy" or Shiva. The Temple[edit source | editbeta] The temple has a 2-tier rajagopuram surrounded by two prakaram(closed precincts of a temple). Navagraha[edit source | editbeta] Keezhaperumpallam is one of the nine Navagraha sthalas located in the Cauvery Delta region dedicated to shadow planet Ketu.

Keezhaperumpallam is situated in Nagapattinam district in the vicinity of Tiruvenkaadu near Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu in India. The temple is constructed by Chola Kings as a place of remedies for the afflictions of the nodes Rahu and Ketu. It is said that there ins an underground pass way from Keezhaperumpallam to Brihadeeswara temple in Tanjore. The presiding deity here is Lord

Valampurinatha and His concert is Soundara Nayaki. There is small shrine dedicated to Lord Nagaraja. The idol of Ketu is visible throught the entrance with a Silver serpent on the arch. This place is called Vanagiri. It is rare to find an idol of Ketu with his head. This is an ancient Saivaite shrine, where legend has it that Ketu, one of the nine celestial bodies, central to astrological belief worshipped by Lord Shiva. Ketu faces West in the Northern corridor. The Adi Devatha is Chitragupta and the Prathyathi Devata is Lord Brahma and his color is red and his vahana is the eagle . The grain associated with him is Horsegram. The flower is red lily and the fabric is multi colored cloth, gem is Cat's eye. Offering is rice mixed with the powder of Horsegram. The significations of Ketu are salvation, sight, property, land, gold, vehicle, fame, wife, children, knowledge, business, happiness and unexpected gains. Ketu birth according Stala Purana When the Devas and Asuras churned the ocean of milk with Mount Mantara as the churning stick and snake Vasuki as the rope, the snake, unable to bear the pain emitted poison. The devas and the demons feared the ill effects of the poison and prayed Lord Shiva. The Lord Shiva swallowed the poison but Goddess Parvathi rushed to prevent Him swallowing of the poison and so it got stuck in His neck. Due to this, the Lord Shiva is called Neela Kanta and His throat turned blue with the poision. Vasuki, the King of serpents did penance and worshipped Lord Shiva for years, beseeching forgiveness. The Lord appeared before the snake, pleased with its prayers. He blessed the snake to be enshrined in a temple in the bamboo forest and relieve the devotees from the ill effects of Ketu one of the navagrahas. The nine navagraha deities are generally found in small, special square enclosure in every temple. No visit to a temple is complete, without the devotee offering worship at this enclosure. A copper plate with the Navagrahas inscribed on them is often to be found in the puja room in Hindu households as Navagraha are believed to determine the course of our lives. The knowledge of Navagrahas has lived in the minds of millions of India and they have been celebrated and worshipped in sloka, stothra, sculpture and music. The importance of Navagraha worship has been stressed by ancient saints and Maharishis and references are available in the sacred writings. Natives afflicted by Ketu are stricken with fears of dacoity, bad habits, loss of property, poisonous bites, loss of face, leprosy, putra dosha etc.., By praying Lord Ketu one can get rid of the afflictions. According to astrology, Ketu's effects are that of similar to Mars but this is only one way of describing the malefic effect and power of Ketu. Ketu can be more destructive if it is inauspiciously positioned in the horoscope. Ketu destroys the potency of the planet with which it is conjunct, making the planet behave in an uncontrollable manner. All days are special in the Ketu temple at Keezhaperumpallam. Abhishekam to Lord Ketu is performed daily by 8.30am. Prodhoshams are very special occasions. Six worship services are offered at the Ketu temple. The main temple is open from 5.30am to 12 noon and 4pm to 8pm but Ketu shrine is kept open throught even during 12noon to 4pm. One can worship Matsyavathara Purusha to appease Ketu graha. Feeding the fish is also recommended. The temple is located at Keezhperumpallam (Kizhaperumpallam), near Tarangampadi in Nagapattinam District,TamilNadu. The temple presiding deities are Lord Naganathaswamy and his consort Soundaryanaki. It is rare to find Ketu Bhagvan enshrined with head of a snake and body of an asura, which you can see here. This place is also called Vanagiri. At this sthala, he can be seen worshipping Naaganaadhaswami with his folded hands held high. Kethu is an Asura by birth, when he was young he was know as swarbanu.His grand father was kasibamunivar, his father was Vibarachithu and his mother was Simgigai.As

his mother was Simgigai he was called as Simgikeyan.Both the Devas and Asuras wanted to get Amirtham from the Pargadal(Milk Ocean). Thirumal as in the shape of Mohini was distributing Amirtham to the Devas. At that time Swarvabanu took divine shape sitting betwwwn the sun and moon received the Amirtham and ate it. This was informed to Mohini by the sun and moon. Mohini was keeping a long sppon in her hand and she hit the Asuras head heavily. The Asuras head and the body were separated.His Head became a dark colored snake as kethu. Both Raghu and kethu had thapas and got the status of planets. Formerly there were only seven planets. By adding Raghu and kethu the Universe has nine planets and people worship them.

This temple is situated 57Kms away from kumbakonam and 3kms from poombukar. This temple will remain open from 6.00AM to 12.00PM and 3.30PM to 8.30PM and also be kept opened during Raaghu kalam and Emakandam. Separate Sannidhi for Mercury: Of the nine planets, Mercury is the lord to bless with good education, knowledge, eloquence, music, astrology, mathematics, sculpture, medicine, scholarship in languages. A temple for Chandra (moon) the father of Mercury is just opposite to the Mercury with Chandra Pushkarani theertha. If mercury is not favourably placed in a horoscope, the native may not have children. Also he/she will have nervous debility and lack of knowledge. They have to propitiate Lord Mercury. Musicologists and film makers worship Mercury.

This is an ancient Saivite shrine where legend has it that Kethu, one of the 9 celestial bodies central to astrological beliefs worshipped Shiva. Keezhperumpallam, is an ancient Shaivite temple and legend has it that Kethu, the other planetary node of the nine celestial bodies worshipped Shiva here. Rahu and Kethu are associated with legend of the serpent that helped Lord Shiva churn the milky ocean. There is a Shrine dedicated to Kethu in this temple. Ketu brings prosperity to the devotees family. He grants good health, wealth, cattle and all round prosperity. He is ruled by Lord Ganesha and Indra. . Those who are affected by Kethu dosha come here for rectification. This place is also called Vanagiri. Kethu prayed to Naaganaadhaswami and was blessed and rid of his sins by Lord Siva. It is rare to find Kethu with his head. At this sthala, he can be seen worshipping Naaganaadhaswami with his folded hands held high. The devas and asuras churned the Paarkadal to obtain amirtham that would free them from death, keeping them alive for ever. When the amirtham emerged, Lord Vishnu in the guise of Mohini was distributing the amirtham only to the devas. He was worried that the evil deeds of the asuras will increase multifold if they consumed amirtham. Realising this, one of the asuras with the help of the asura guru Sukrachariyar, took the form of a deva and consumed the nectar. Suryan and Chandran who noticed this, complained to Lord Narayana. In anger, Lord Narayana hit the asura on the head with the spoon in his hand. The head was cut off and fell on the ground. But because the asura had consumed amirtham, his head and body continued to live.

The head portion of the asura attached itself to a snake body to become Rahu Bhagavan. The body portion that was thrown away fell in Pothigai mountain region. This was found and preserved by a Brahmin. The head of a snake got attached to the asura body to become Kethu. Persons afflicted by Kethu dosham are stricken with fears of dacoity, bad habits, loss of property, loss of face, putra dosham. By praying to Kethu Bhagavan, one can be rid of the doshams. Motcham, sight, property, land, gold, vehicle, fame, wife, children, happiness, unexpected property gains are the beneficial aspects of Kethu Bhagavan.

Iravadam Sage Durvasar gifted a mala to Indran. Indran, in his vanity threw it on his white elephant Iravadam which stamped the mala under its feet. Durvasar cursed Indran to turn into a wild elephant. Indran realising his folly formed a tank (Thadagam) in Thiruvengadu and worshipped a Siva Linga. He was blessed by Lord Siva and absolved of his sins and reached Indralogam again. Knowledge, business, leprosy, poisonous bites are the aspects of this planet. Suwedakedu Suwedakedu on realising that he was destined to die in his eighth year, reached Thiruvengadu and performed Siva pooja. As soon as he saw Yama, he held on to the Siva Linga tightly. Yama on seeing Thiruvengadar, ran away in fear and died. On the request of the Devas, the Lord brought Yama back to life. The sthalam of Kethu is Keezhperumpallam, which is located 6 kms from Thiruvengaadu, enroute to Poompuhar. His wife is Chitralekha. The presiding deities are Naaganaadaswamy and his consort Ambal. He faces the North-West direction. The Adi Devatha is Chitraguptan and the Prathyathi Devatha is Brahma; his colour is red and his vahana is the eagle; the grain associated with him is khollu; the flower red alli (lily); fabric multi coloured cloth; gem Vaidooriyam (cats eye); food rice mixed with khollu powder. Mantra for Ketu Aum nring nring nring narsinghaye (Nrisimhaye) namah aum

Sattainathar Temple, Sirkazhi From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Sattainathar Temple

Sattainathar Temple Location in Tamil Nadu 1114N 7944ECoordinates: 1114N 7944E Location Country: India State: Tamil Nadu District: Nagapatnam Location: Sirkali Temple Details Primary Deity: Sattainathar(Shiva), Bhramapureeswarar, Thoniappar

Coordinates:

Consort: Periyanayagi(Parvathi) Architecture and culture Architectural Dravidian architecture styles: Sattainathar temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Sirkali, Tamilnadu, India. as Paadal Petra Sthalam. Sirkali Bhramapureeswarar is an ancient temple complex with 3 different Shiva Shrines. The Bhramapureeswarar shrine is housed in the lower level. The second level houses Periyanakar with Periyanayaki on a Thoni, hence the name Thoniappar. Sattainathar/Vatukanathar is also housed here. From the steps leading to the Toniappar and the Vatukanathar shrine, one can grasp the entire layout of this vast temple, its gopurams and mandapams. There are 22 Theerthams associated with this shrine. Three different forms of Shiva are worshipped here, the Shivalingam (Bhrammapureeswarar), a colossal image of Uma Maheswarar (Toniappar) at the medium level, and Bhairavar (Sattanathar) at the upper level. Contents [hide] The Temple[edit source | editbeta] The temple has 99 vast Prakaramscourtyards with high walls of enclosure. There are two sets of 7 tiered gopurams in the outer walls of the enclosure. The original shrine during the period of the Nayanmars included the shrine of Bhrammapureeswarar, on the southern bund of the temple tank; the Toniappar shrine on a mound west of the central shrine, and the Sattanathar shrine in the second floor reached from the southern prakaram(outer courtyard) of the Toniappar shrine by a flight of steps. The enlargement of the original temple happened during the period of Kulothunga Chola I, Vikrama Chola, Kulothunga Chola II andKulothunga Chola III (as in Chidambaram - 11th through the 13th centuries). The temple is a holy site for Hinduism and thousands of devotees come to pay homage to the deities.
[2] [1]

The temple is incarnated by the hymns of Thevaram and is classified

Tirugnana Sambandar[edit source | editbeta] Tirugnana Campantar ( - also rendered as Sambandar, Champantar,

Sambandar, Jnanasambandar,Gnanasambandar) was a young Saiva poet-saint of Tamil Nadu who lived around the 7th century CE.
[3]

He is one of the most prominent of the sixty-three Nayanars, Tamil Saiva bhakti saints who lived between the sixth and the tenth centuries CE. Campantar's hymns to Shiva were later collected to

form the first three volumes of the Tirumurai, the religious canon of Tamil Saiva Siddhanta. He was a contemporary of Appar, another Saiva saint. Life[edit source | editbeta] Campantar was born to Sivapada Hrudiyar and his wife Bhagavathiar who lived in Sirkazhi in Tamil Nadu. They were a saivite Brahmins who at that point of time professed Rig veda. The group of servitors wore tuft on top of their head with a tilt towards right,as seen in all murals and statues of sambandar and also finds mention in the related hagiographies of that period and also of the later periods like that of arunagirinathar. According to legend, when Campantar was three years old his parents took him to the Shiva temple where Shiva and his consort Parvati appeared before the child. The goddess nursed him at her breast. His father saw drops of milk on the child's mouth and asked who had fed him, whereupon the boy pointed to the sky and responded with the song Todudaya Seviyan - the first verse of the Tevaram. At his investiture with the sacred thread, at the age of seven, he is said to have expounded the Vedas with great clarity. Sri Sankaracharya who lived in the subsequent century has also referred to sambandar in one hymn of Soundarya Lahari, praising him as a gifted Tamil child(dravida sisu) who was fed with milk of divine gnosis by none other than divine goddess Uma.
[4]

Moolavar

: Urchavar Amman / Thayar Thala Virutcham

Theertham

Agamam / Pooja Old year Historical Name City District State Singers:

Sattainathar, Brahmapureswarar, Thoniyappar : Somaskandar Periyanayaki, : Tirunilai Nayaki Parijatham, : Pavalamalli 22 Theerthams : including Brahmma Theertham Pancharathra : Agama 1000-2000 : years old Brahmma : Puram : Sirkazhi : Nagapattinam : Tamil Nadu

Lord of the temple is praised my many a saint as Tirugnanasambandar,

Manickavasagar, Arunagiriar, Gananathar, Nambiandar Nambigal, Pattinathar, Sekkizhar, Arunachala Kavi Rayar, Marimutha Pillai and Muthu Thandava Dikshithar. It is said that Saint Tirugnana Sambandar sung his first hymn on Lord after Mother Uma fed Him with milk in the golden vessel when he was crying as a child on the steps of the tank of the temple. The milk has the Saraswatha power that made the child a poet of excellence. This event is mentioned in the 75th verse of Soundarya Lahari by Acharya Adi Sankara. Ganasambandar is mentioned as Drivida Sishu in the verse. In his first verse, the child mentions Lord Shiva wearing the ear ring with sacred ashes all over His body and one that stole his heart. He names the place as prestigious Brahmmapuram. This is the 14th Shiva temple on the northern bank of Cauvery praised in Thevaram hymns. Festival: Brahmmotsavam in the temple begins on the Chithirai Tiruvadhirai day in April-May. The event of Mother Uma feeding Gnanasambandar is celebrated on the second day. The milk fed to the child saint is offered as Prasad. Consuming this milk ensures salvation to the devotee, it is believed. Oil abishek is offered to Lord Uma Maheswarar in the hill temple on the first day of Tamil months Chithirai (April-May); Aadi (July-August); Aipasi (October-November); Thai (January-February) and on Karthikai Deepam in November-December, Margazhi Tiruvadirai in December-January and Shivrathri in February-March. Special pujas are performed on Aadi Pooram in July-August, Navrathri in September-October, Thai new moon day in January-February, Vaikasi Moola Star day in May-June, Aani Rohini Star day in June-July and Sadayam Star day in Aipasi in October-November. Temple's Speciality: Lord Shiva in the temple is a Swayambumurthy. Those involved in litigations and seeking child boon pray to Lord and Mother in the temple.

During the Maha Pralaya floods calamity destroying the world, Lord Shiva clothed with 64 arts, using a boat of Ohm Moola Mantra was travelling on the flood waters with Mother Uma. He saw this place-Sirkali unaffected by the floods and alive. He chose this place and stayed with the name Thoni Appar-God with the boat. Mother took the name Tiru Nilai Nayaki. Lord Brahmma worshipped Lord Shiva here in the form of Linga-Brahmma Pureeswarar, as Sattinathar destroying pride and arrogance. Lord graces here in three forms as as Brahmma, Vishnu and Shiva. They granted darshan to child saint Gnanasambandar. The place is revered as Gurumurtham. Lord Sattai Nathar is in the top tier blessing devotees with Lord Bhairava attributes. Lord Vishnu had to face adverse dosha for punishing emperor Mahabali. To prove that Shiva and Vishnu are not different but one, Shiva wore the skin of Vishnu as a shirt. Mother Mahalakshmi misunderstood this as Shiva had destroyed Vishnu and stopped wearing flowers in Her head. As a custom in the temple, women coming to this shrine avoid wearing flowers in their heads. Men should come to the shrine without shirts. As Lord Shiva is the supreme head of all Laws-Sattam in Tamil, He is praised as Satta Nathar. Hence, people involved in litigation seek His blessing to win their cases. Sirkali is the place, where Lord taught spiritual lessons to Mother Parvathi during the

Maha Pralaya period. This is the 11 Shakti Peetas where Mother graces as Mahalakshmi. Worshipping here relieves the devotee from pride and arrogance. Sirkali is the only temple where Brahmma-Saraswthi, Shiva-Parvathi and Vishnu-Mahalakshmi and the procession deity bless the devotees from the sanctum sanctorum as in Mount Kailash. Sirkali is also a place of Lord Bhairava importance as in Kasi-Varanasi. Lord Bhairava graces in the temple in His eight forms as Asithanga Bahairava, Guru Bhairava, Chanda Bhairava, Krotha Bhairava, Unmatha Bhairava, Samhara Bhairava, Peeshana Bhairava and Akhala Bhairava. The place is as great as Kasi. Devotees cannot enter the shrine wearing shirts. Special pujas are performed here on Ashtami days-eighth day of new moon or full moon fortnight. The Jeeva Samadhi monument of Sattai Muni Siddha one of the 18 siddhas is in the temple with a peeta-stage above. People can have the darshan of Lord from this platform. Abhishek is performed here on Fridays. Punugu-a cosmetic paste is applied at 12.00 p.m with garland of Vada-Vadamala. Pulse porridge is offered as nivedhana. Sage Romasa performed penance in Mount Kailash on Lord Shiva. He prayed to Lord that He should grant the Kailash darshan to people of South. Meantime, a contest arose between Vayu and Adisesha about their might. Adisesha covered the whole Kailash. Vayu could not move the mount. At the request of Devas, Adisesha slightly raised one of his heads to yield in to Vayu. Thus a small part of the mount was brought to this place by 20 birds. A king Kalavithu by name was sad as he had no child. He came to this Chinna Kayilai-Small Kailash, worshipped Lord and got his boon realized. This is a three tier hill temple. Lord Brahmma Pureeswarar and Mother Tirumalai Nayaki bless the devotees from the base temple. This is praised as Lingamurtham. Six pujas are performed here a day. Lord Brahmma became proud thinking that He was greatest among the Murthis. To teach Him a lesson, Lord made him forget the Pranava Mantra. Realizing His folly, Brahmma worshipped Lord Shiva here and got his memory restored. As Brahmma worshipped here, the place is known as Brahmmapuram and Lord as Brahmma Pureeswarar. In the middle temple Mother Uma and Lord Maheswarar bless the devotees. He is also praised as Thoni Appar. Four pujas are performed in this temple. This part of hill is known as Thoni Malai.

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Temple History: Tirugnana Sambandar one of the Saivite Gurus was born to Shivapada Hrudayar and Bagavati Ammai. He is regarded as the incarnation of Lord Muruga. He is praised as Ilaya Pillayar-younger son. He came to Brahmma Theertham with his father. The father left the boy on the bank of the tank and went for a bath. Hungry child began to cry for food. Lord Shiva asked Mother Parvathi to feed the boy. Mother not only fed the little boy with milk but with wisdom too blended in the milk. Sambandar was happy and sat on the steps of the tank with the milk spots on the face. Shivapad Hrudayar blamed the boy for accepting the milk from somebody. When the father was about to beat the boy, he showed upwards the divine parents who fed him. Shivapada Hrudayars joy knew no bounds to hear the truth. The little childs first hymn Thodudaya Sevian was born her3e to enrich the spiritual literature of Tamil. Gana Sambandar had sung 67 pathigams of 10 verses each, Tirunavukkarasar 3 pathigams and Sundarar one pathigam on Lord of Sirkali temple.