THIRUPPATHI PILGRIM PACKAGE

Thiruppathi-Kalahasthi-Thiruthani-Kanhipuram-Thirukazhikundram Mahabalipuram-Chidambaram-Kumbhakonam-Thanjavoor- Sreerangam

Tour Code No. No. of days Starting Date Charge Per Head

(Including Food )

6Day/6Night

Day 01: Starting from Palakkad in Luxury Coach at 10.00 AM

Day 02: Early morning Reaches Thiruppathi. Fresh Up, Sree Vekitachalapathi Darshan (Entry Tickets to be Procured before Darshan) N/R THIRUPPATHI

Day 03: Morning Journey to Kalahasthi, Govindaraja Temple, Pathala Ganapathi, Temple, Hare Hare Ashram, Kapileswara Thertham N/R THIRUPPATHI

Day 04: Morning Journey to Thiruthani,Thiruthani temple darshan and journey to Kanhipuram, Kanchi Kamakodi Madam, Kanchi Kamakshi Temple, Vaigunta Perimal temple and journey to , Thirukazhikundram Temple Darshan N/R MAHABALIPURAM

Day 05: Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, Chidambaram Darshan/N/R KUMBHAKONAM

Day 06: Kumbhakonam, Swami Mala, Thanjavoor, Sreerangam. Return Journey to Palakkad

Day 07: Reaches Palakkad

*NR – Night Rest

Quick Booking

Tirupati History

EPIC IMPORTANCE

The venkatam hill is believed to be a part of the celestial mount meru brought to the earth from vaikuntam by garuda (Lord's vehicle),say the .The Hills are said to be a manifestation of Adi Sesha (the cosmic serpent).The Seven hills of the are the said to represent the Seven hoods of Adi Sesha.

Many , Vaishnavacharyas and Saints have praised the Tirumala Hill with great devotion. Tirumala Mambi, a descendent of the great ascetic Narada, spent his whole life in serving the Lord.

References to the tirumala also found in several of Puranas. Tirumala is one of the 108 sacred shrines of the Sri Vaishanava tradition.According to the Puranas, Lord stayed on the earth for some time in the Avatar of Swetha Varaham and rose out of pushkarini as Swayambhuva. His spouse appeared in Thirucharnur. This Swwtha Avatharam was installed in the temple situated to the west of Swamy Pushkarni. The great religious leader Ramanujacharya visited this shrine on a pilgrimage and systematised the process of worship in accordance with the SriVaishnava that continues to date.

HISTORY

The Pallavas of (9th century AD) ,Cholas of Tanjore (10 century) , Pandyas of and Vijayanagara pradhans (14th & 15th centuries) were committed devotees of Lord . The statues of Sri Krishna Devaraya and his spouse stand in the premises of the temple. After the decline of Vijayanagara Empire, kings from various states like the king of Mysore and Gadwal, worshiped the lord as pilgrims and gifted various ornaments and valuables to the temple.

In 1933 the Madras government appointed a Commission to Tirumala Devasthanam through a special statutory authority to run the administration of the temple. In 1951 another Hindu Religious and endowment Act was made which felicitated the appointment of an executive officer and Board of trustees and they run the administration. The executive officers of this institution maintaining the temple administration.

Lord Krishna decided to take his incarnation, he relaxed under a tree. At that time, the hunter, Jara, in his previous life, hit the lord with the arrow. Hunter apologized and then the Lord has enlightened in his previous life. In his previous life, Jara was Vali whom Lord Rama killed and thus the account has now been settlement.

At that time, Lord , and other Devas came to offer prayers to the Lord and suddenly Lord disappeared to Vaikuntam. On the way, when Jyoti reached Suryamandalam, to everyone’s surprise it became an idol and landed at Tirumala. The Lord said that he wanted to protect his devotees and decided to reveal himself in this world until the end of Yuga. The Lord had Swayambhoo (self created) his idol. The Lord also expressed a wish that He choose Tirupati Tirumala as a place of residence because the place was located at middle of earth and the major planets, and hence He could have easy access to humans and Devas alike. Devas, headed by Lord Brahma, acknow;edged this thus enabling the Lord’s devotees to offer prayers to Him on a daily basis. Consequently, every night, Pancha paathrams are filled with pure water, and the temple doors are closed.

The Devas performed to Perumal Thiruvaaradhanai each day (early morning before Suprabhatam). This Theertham offered to the faithful who participate in Suprabhata Sevai. No Satari made during Suprabhata .

When all the wise men were carried out in yaagam Naimisaranyam, Rishi Narada question of who offered the yaagam. It was decided that the best of the Trinity, ie Brahma, Vishnu or Shiva should be directed to yaagam. Consequently, Rishi Brighu undertook the task of finding the best among the Trintiies. Rishi Brighu Satyalokam, Brahma for the first time and not pay attention to him, he went to Mount Kailash, the residence of Lord Shiva. Brighu Rishi was mad because he was neglected by the Lord Shiva. The rishi was stormed Vaikuntam, which saw Lord Vishnu in Sayana Thirukolam and Goddess Mahalakshmi urged his holy feet. The angry rishi immediately kicked the Lord’s heart to free his temple.

Vishnu is known for , he got up, paid respect, Rishi and asked him to apologize. Vishnu has gone too far to say that kicking the chest Brighu Rishi is suffering from pain and began to press the foot of Rishi. In the process, Vishnu pressing Rishi third eye, which was his leg. Rishi felt humiliated by the type of activities of the Lord and decided that was the best of the god Vishnu worship Kali Yugam and came back and gave yaagasaala decision.Goddess Mahalakshmi felt offended because he kicked the heart Perumal, who was his place and could not continue out of anger leave the Vaikuntam.

The time Thayar left Vaikuntam, the whole place engulfed in darkness and also left Perumal left from Vaikuntam looking for Thayar. In due course, reached Tirumala Hills Perumal and become fascinated by the quiet and pleasant, he continued to live there. Formed an ant hill where he sat. Seeing the situation Perumal,Thayar sent Brahma and Shiva to satisfy his hunger. Brahma and Shiva turned to the cow and calf and Goddess Parvathi disguised as ordinary lady approached Thondaimandalam rule (in and around Tirumala) and sold the cows to the king. Even if the cows were removed to watch this special cow used to go near the ant hill and empty her udder. Thus, she met hunger Perumal giving milk.

ROLE VAKULAMATHA Perumal at the wedding: and Yasodha yugam Dwapara Vakula Maath Srinivasa appeared injured and took them home and took care of him. It ‘happened that one day he saw Padmavathy Thayar who was princess of the kingdom. IN Ramavataaram was excited when Devi carried away by Ravana, Vedavathi, a woman who had cursed Ravana that he would meet with destruction because of his disguise, Sita Devi, went to Lanka and experienced all the suffering. As a thank you for this help, the Lord Rama assured him that he would marry her in Kali Yugam. This daughter Vedavati, Akasa Raja Perumal darsanam is just one, you can experience the happiest moment of calm and the Lord’s presence can be felt by all.

The stone steps (PADI), near garbagriham is known as “Padi Kulasekhara” because Azhwar had wanted to stay as a solid object before the Lord “PADIYAAYI KIDANDHU UNN PAVAZHA KAANBENEY Vaai”

KALAHASTHI

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: Sri Kalahasthi is an important temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is situated in of Andra Pradesh. The Sivalingam is said to be a ' lingam' representing one of the five elements, air, (vayu-air) and is one of the Panchabootha sthala of Lord Shiva. HISTORY OF THE TEMPLE: A spider, an elephant and a snake were living in the vicinity of the temple. All three were devotees of Lord Shiva. The spider wove beautiful objects with its silk like web and offered them to the Lord in prayer, the elephant brought flowers and water and washed the idol and offered the flowers, while the snake brought precious stones from underground and adorned the idol with them.

The elephant seeing these precious stones adorning the Lord cleared them away and after washing the Lord decorated Him with flowers and leaves. From this ensued an altercation between the elephant and the snake. The snake bit the elephant and the elephant trampled the snake. The spider got caught in the middle of this brawl and all three died. Because of the devotion with which each one of them had spent their days worshipping, the Lord made these three souls to merge in Him and took the name Sri-Kala-Hasthi which denotes the conjoining of the spider (Sri), the snake (Kala), and the elephant (Hasthi) thus becoming Sri Kalahatheeswar.

DIVINESS OF THE TEMPLE:Kannappan was a hunter but an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. He never failed to perform his daily worship. He brought water from the river in his mouth and 'bathed' the image of the Lord by emptying his mouth on the lingam. Then he would chew bits of meat to ascertain its suitability and offer it to his . He would only proffer the choicest pieces of meat. One day he saw a yellowish discharge from the left eye of the image. He in his deep devotion wanted to cure the defect in the eye of his Lord. So he gouged out his eye from its socket and put it on top of the eye of the idol. He then noticed the same discharge from the other eye. He then decided to offer his other eye too, to the Lord. He realized that he would not be able to see once he had pulled out his other eye. So he put his shoed leg to mark the spot where the other eye would go and was about to pull out his eye when the Lord appeared and stopped him from self mutilation. The Lord pleased with his devotion granted him eternal bliss. This kannappan is later known as KannappaNayanar.

AUSPICIOUS DAYS: The major festival takes place in February/March spread over 13 days. The other major festivals take place during December/January and during 'Navarathry' in September/October

Thiruthani,

A holy village where Lord Muruga rules, is one of the six abodes of Lord Muruga and is located in the District of Tiruvallur of State. The famous Subramanya Swami Kovil (temple) in Thiruthani attracts thousands of Hindu devotees to this abode.

The temple is perched on a hilltop approachable through 365 steps, representing each day in a year. A small holy river known as Nandi river flows through the town in its northern part. Kumara Teertha, also popular as Saravana Poikai, is a holy tank in Thiruthani. It is located at the foot of the hill housing the Subramanya Swami Kovil (temple). It is believed that the water in this tank has amazing curative powers. Thiruthani temple has a shrine dedicated to Lord , also known as Abath Sahaya Vinayagar

Thiruthani is the home for one of the Arupadaiveedu temples, the six abodes of Lord Muruga or the six battle places where Lord Muruga won over the evils. The other five holy abodes are Palani Dandayudhapani Swamy Temple, Tiruparamkundram Subramanya Swami Temple, Tiruchendur Senthil Andavar Temple, Palamudhircholai Subramanya Swamy Temple and Swamimalai Swaminatha Swami Temple. Religious tour to all these six temples is believed to be very important to gain the blessings of Lord Murug and free from all sins.

Santhana Venugopalapuram, earlier known as Nimbaka Kshethram, is a nearby attraction to Thiruthani. The temple enshrining Lord Santhana Venugopalan is the prime attraction in this place. Veetrirunda Perumal Temple is one other religious attraction near to Thiruthani. This 9th century temple located at Nemili is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Kanchipuram,

The City of Temples

One of the most sacred sites in , Kanchipuram is the seat of the Shankaracharya. The city is situated around 70 kms from in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Kanchipuram was the capital city of the early Chola kings in the 2nd century BC and a Pallava capital between the 6th and 8th centuries.

Known as the city of thousand temples, it is one of the seven most sacred pilgrim centers for the . Kanchi has about 126 temples remaining in total and a few more in its outskirts.

Besides its temples, Kanchipuram is also known for its growing hand loom industry. This beautiful small city has many silk weavers residing here from more than 400 years ago. This has made it the best producer of some of the finest silk sarees in the country. The Kanchipuram silk sarees are exotic pieces of art, woven from pure mulberry silk. Available in a variety of designs, these sarees have blazing colours and are decorated with fine gold thread (zari).

¤ History

The ancient city of temples, Kanchipuram, is one of the most important centers of Hindu religion. It is also one of the most picture perfect towns. It is considered to be one of India's seven sacred cities and the second holiest city after .

It was once the capital city of the Pallavas, Cholas, and the Vijayanagar rulers. Many of the temples situated here are built by the Pallavas and later Cholas.

A few Buddhist stupas remining here indicate the presence of Buddhism in earlier centuaries. The Kanchi Kamakotti Peetham situated here is one of the four seats of Sri Adi Shankaracharya (a great Hindu sage). It has been a center of Tamil learning and culture for centuries and presents the glorious Dravidian heritage of the Vaishnavites (worshippers of Vishnu) and Shaivites (worshippers of Shiva).

¤ Attractions At Kanchipuram

Kanchipuram is a scared pilgrimage with many beautiful temples, the holy town is one of the holiest places in India. The temples found here are grand and majestic. They are very popular among devotees, who flock this temple in huge numbers. Some of the most important temples here are the Ekambaranathar Temple, built by the Pallavas and later reconstructed by the Chola and Vijayanagar kings, that makes excellent trip to Kanchipuram. This temple owns 11 stories and one of the tallest temple towers in South India. It is beautifully decorated with sculptures. Another sacred temple here is the Vaikunta Perumal Temple which dates back to the 8th century. It was built by Nandivarma Pallava. There are scenes from battle carved on the panels encircling the main parikrama of this Vaishnavite temple. These scenes depict the bravory of Pallava kings. Anothere temple, the Varadaraja Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu who is worshipped as Devarajaswamy here. This temple has a 100-pillared hall, built by the Vijayanagar kings presenting the skillfulness of their artists.

Other important temples of the region are the Kailasanathar Temple and the Kamakshi Amman Temple. The Kailasanathar Temple was constructed by the Pallava kings in the 8th century AD. It has a captivating panel portraying Lord Shiva and Goddess in the midst of one of their many dance competitions. The architecture of this temple resembles the Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram. At the same time the Kamakshi Amman Temple has a grand structure, dedicated to goddess Parvati in her incarnation as Kamakshi, the goddess of Love.

Excursions

Kanchipuram also offers a number of excursion trip options. Some of these are Tiruttani near Kanchipuram, one of the six abodes of Lord Subramanya, situated on a hilltop. The temple has 365 steps, leading to the hill, these steps represent the days of the year. Another important trip is to the Sriperumbudur, situated about 29 kms from Chennai on the way to Kanchipuram. It is the birthplace of Saint Ramanujar, the father of the philosophy of and hence an important pilgrim center for the Vaishnavites.

One of the most vital places around Kanchipuram is the Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary sitauted about 60 km from Kanchi. On your bird sighting trip to Kanchipuram, one can find many migratory birds like the sandpiper, white ibis, spoonbill, swan and gray wagtail etc. Definitely, a worth visiting place. Another destination around Kanchi is the Elagiri Hill. This hill is a detached and a popular picnic spot in the Eastern Ghats situated at a height of about 1000 m. The healthy climate, natural beauty and a Murugan temple makes it a must visit place.

Fairs & Festivals

Kanchipuram, the city of temples celebrates fairs and festivals all round the year. Some important festivals include the Brahmothsavam, Garudothsavam, and Car (rath) festivals, celebrated in the months of January, April, and May respectively.

Vedagireeshwarar Temple- Thirukazhukundram

BEAUTY OF THE TEMPLE AND ITS LOCATION The total area covering the temple and hill is over 265 acresand the hilltop can be reached by ascending 562 well-laid out stone slabs. On the way there are small mandapams, for pilgrims to rest. The steps and the walls on the sides have been built from donations. For the infirm and the aged, dholis carried by two persons are available at nominal charges. Before ascending the steps, the devotees worship Siddharti Vinayaka and Ayyappa at the foot of the hill. The central shrine of the temple where the presiding deity Vedagirishwarar is seen is built of three large boulders, constituting the three walls for the sanctum. Vedagirishwarar is a swayambu Lingam. Vedagirishwarar was worshipped by , Thillothama (a dancer in Indra's court), Garuda (mount of Vishnu), Ashtavasus and many . He has been praised in the songs and verses of the four great Tamil saints — Appar, Sambandar, Sundaramurthi and Manickavasagar. The inner walls of the sanctum contain many images, all hewn out of the rock surrounding the presiding deity. In the enclosure around the sanctum, are the shrines of Goddess Sokkanayaki and Vinayaka (in a dancing pose). After descending a few steps on the other side, a monolithic cave-temple is seen. This mandapam is full of rare sculptures and belongs to the Mamalla period (A.D. 610-640). There are two verandahs in the cave, each being supported by four massive pillars. In the lower one, there are two life-size statues, decorated with ornaments. In the upper verandah, there is a huge lingam with figures of Brahma and Vishnu on either side. The peculiarity is that the whole mandapam with sculptures is hewn out of a single rock. Hence this cave is known as Orukkal Mandapam. On the eastern side, at the foot of the hill, there is a small shrine Nalvar Koil, from where the four Tamil saints — Appar, Sundarar, Sambandar and Manickavasagar — had darshan of Vedagirishwarar. The Consort of Vedagirishwarar is not seen on the hilltop. She is enshrined in the temple of Bakthavatsaleshwarar at the centre of the town. The temple has four (towers), the tallest with nine tiers (on the southern side) and the other three with seven tiers. In the prakaram of the temple, the tank, Nandi Thirtham, is located. It has a huge Nandi (mount of Shiva), facing Vedagirishwarar on the hilltop. The absence of a Nandi before the presiding deity on the hilltop is a unique feature.

The Nandi once undertook penance on the Earth. Pleased, Shiva appeared before him and told him to ask for a boon. The Nandi desired that the place and the tank be named after him and asked that those taking a dip in the tank and worshipping Vedagirishwarar be absolved of their sins. His prayer was granted and hence the place is also known as Nandipuram and the tank, Nandi Theertham. The mahamandapam that fringes the inner (Rishi Gopuram) contains a fine sculptural representation of Agora Veerabhadra (Shiva in ferocious form), a colossal figure seven feet high. A similar image can be seen at the Meenakshi temple in . The prakaram around the sanctum of Bakthavatsaleswarar (the presiding deity of the temple) has many images. The shape of the vimanam of the temple is peculiar, resembling the Buddhist viharas in the North, since the spherical top portion is cut in front. It was here that Lord Shiva appeared before the Tamil saint Manickavasagar, in the form of Dakshinamurthi, and initiated him into the secrets of the holy Panchaksharam. The plantain tree is the sthala vriksham of the temple. Goddess Tirupurasundari has a special shrine. Around the sanctum engraved on marble slabs fixed on the walls, are verses from the "Abhirami Andhathi. Once upon a time, there were Poosha, Vriddha - two Rishis. They went into deep penance to seek exalted position. They sought "Sayujya Mukthi" when God appeared before them. Lord Shiva cursed them to remain as Eagles in Earth for sometime before attaining Sayujya Mukthi" - the everlasting shadow of Lord. They were born as "Sambu", "Adi" Eagles and everyday hovering over the hill top of Vedagirhswarar, worship Him and partake the temple offerings. It is said that these Eagles take bathe in Ganges, come here to take food in the afternoon, visit Rameshwaram in the evening and retires at Chidambaram in the night. The tradition of offering food to the Eagles have been going on for thousands of years.This has been going on for centuries now. The scene is sculpted on one of the walls in front of Goddess Tirupurasundari, in the lower temple. Legend says they would regain their original form and attain (salvation) at the end of Kali Yuga. (However, according to the temple authorities, the Eagles have stopped coming thus making a point that these eagles may have been attained salvation). Hence this place derived the name `Tirukazhu(gu)kundram' (the hill of the sacred eagles). Lord Shiva gave darshan to Suraguru Maharasha and it is believed he was the main anchor of building this holy place.

THE HOLY HILL It is believed that the hill has innumerable medicinal herbs and plants and therefore the cool breeze is said to cure ailments. As the exists as Hill - it is believed that undertaking circumambulation of the Hill gives effect equivalent to worshipping the Vedas. LIGHTENING ABHISHEKAM TO THE LORD Legends say Lord Indra continuously Pray Lord Shiva in this temple. As a fact of evidence, lightening strikes the Kalasams and seeps through the hole above the sanctum sanctorum and reach around the Shiva Lingam. Heat/vibrations created by the thunder evokes enormous unsustainable heat, which is felt while opening the temple doors. This is scientifically proven and learned confirms such thunder was felt last in 10.11.1930 THEERTHAMS AROUND THE HILL There are 12 Theerthams (holy water tanks) around the hillock. They are :- 1. Indra Theertham, 2. Sambu Theertham 3. Theertham, 4. Vashishta Theertham, 5. MeygyAna Theertham, 6. Agasthiya Theertham, 7. Markandeya Theertham, 8. Kaushika Theertham, 9. nandi Theertham, 10. theertham, 11. Agalikai Theertham, 12. Pakshi Theertham. HOLY HYMNS This temple was sung by the Servitors of Lord Shiva, the Nayanmars. All the four major saints (nalvar) sung Thevara Holy Hymns about this temple. Pattinathu Muni and Arunagirinathar also have sung. LAKSHA DEEPAM (LAKHS OF LAMPS) Once in 12 years, when Guru (Jupiter) enters Kanya Lagnam, Laksha deepam is celebrated, this is very famous equivalent to North Indian type of Pushkara mela, .

Mahabalipuram Temple

Mamallapuram, popularly known as Mahabalipuram is named after the 7th century Pallava king Narasimha Varman I, Mammalan who was a great warrior and wrestler. It is a living testimony to the artistic temperament of the great Pallava kings who were trendsetters of the .Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Mahabalipuram boasts of various historic monuments built during the Pallava period between 7th and 9th centuries. A popular tourist destination on the outskirts of Chennai, Mahabalipuram attracts many tourists.Located around 60 km south of Chennai, this architectural splendor along the coast of Bay of Bengal has withstood the ravages of time and the recent Tsunami. The rock- cut monolithic monuments are good examples of Dravidian architecture that also portray elements of Buddhist design. The cave temples, monolithic rathas or chariots, sculpted bas- reliefs are intrinsic to the architectural splendor here.

History of Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram is one of history's intriguing enigmas. The ancient Mamallapuram, as Mahabalipuram was formerly known, was flourishing port town of the Pallava rulers of south India who chiseled in stone a fabulous "open-air museum" of sculpture under the vault of a burning sky. Apart from this, nothing is known of the place. What was the purpose behind this whole exercise, and, more important, why all the royal patronage this place enjoyed suddenly disappeared, no one actually has any answer.

Experts say that there were seven pagodas or temples on the shores of Mahabalipuram. All but one were pillaged by the rapacious sea, though there is little underwater evidence to substantiate their existence.

Most of the temples and rock carvings of this place were built during the reigns of Narsinha Varman I (AD 630-668) and Narsinha Varman II (AD 700-728). Though the initial kings of were followers of Jainism, the conversion of Mahendra Varman (AD 600-630) to led most of the monuments to be related with Shiva or Vishnu.

Places of Interest

The Five Rathas - The five Rathas include The Dharmaraja,The Bhima,The Arjuna,The Draupadi and The Sahadeva. The Five Rathas,about 200 m south of the main hill,were fashioned out of a smaller hill sloping down from the south. From the largest part was made the biggest of the five rathas,the Dharmaraja. Then followed onwards north,in the descending order of height,the Bhima,the Arjuna and the Draupadi. A little to the west of Draupadi there was a comparatively large rock and out of it the Sahadeva Ratha was made. Immediately in front of the Draupadi again two smaller rocks were sculptured into an elephant and a lion. Behind the Draupadi and the Arjuna,which stand on a common base,there is a Nandi.

Mandapas - The main hill at Mamallapuram is dotted with pillared halls carved into the rock face. These mandapas, with their graceful columns and intricate figure sculptures bear witness to the artistry of the Pallavan rock cutter. The ten pavilions at Mamallapuram, of which two are unfinished, were designed as shrine, with a sanctum and on outer hall. The shallow porticoes are adorned with exquisite sculptures of gods, goddesses and mythological figures. The Ganesh mandapa is an active shrine even today, with the idol of the elephant- god being revered by the faithful, fourteen centuries after it was first consecrated.Beyond the circular rock called Krishna's Butterball is the Varaha mandapa dedicated to the two avatars of Vishnu as Varaha the boar and Vamana the dwarf. The pillars of this pavilion are perhaps the earliest to display a motif that became the signature of southern architecture- the lion pilaster, where a heraldic lion support ornamental pillar. The Mahishasuramardini mandapa has the goddess in bas relief, slaying a buffalo-headed demon, and the Vishnu Sayana Mandapa shows Lord Vishnu lying under the protective hood of the seven- headed serpent Adishesha. Of the other mandapas, the Panch Pandava mandapa, that is unfinished, has a more elaborate facade. Its pillars are adorned with rearing lions springing from the capital, and the shrine is the only one surrounded by a passage which allows circumvolutions. Krishna Mandapam - One of the earliest rock-cut temples on whose walls is carved a pastoral scene depicting Lord Krishna lifting up the Govardhana mountain to protect his kinfolk from the wrath of Varuna, the god of rain.

Shore Temple - Facing the sea and designed to catch the first rays of the rising golden sun, the Shore temple is perched on top of a rocky outcrop. This shrine is dedicated to both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. The temple has interconnected cisterns through which the sea can be let in to transform the temple into a water shrine. But, in recent times, a stone wall as been added to protect the shrine from the rising seas and further erosion.

Arjuna's Penance - This skillfully carved rock is the largest bas - relief sculpture in the world. It gets its name from the figure of an ascetic who is believed to be Arjuna, the hero of , doing penance to obtain a boon from Lord Siva. However, there are others who think that the figure is actually Bhagiratha who entreated Siva to let the river Ganges flow over the earth.

Chidambaram Temple is a famous dedicated to Lord Shiva located in the heart of the temple town of Chidambaram, 58 km south of Pondicherry in Cuddalore District, the east-central part of the Tamil Nadu state of southeastern India. Chidambram temple surpasses the limits of architectural wonders and the Vishwakarma stapathis should be eulozized in sculpting this architectural masterpiece.

In Hindu literature, Chidambaram is one of five holiest Shiva temples representing one of the five natural elements - space. The other four temples in this category are: Jambukeswara (water), Kanchi Ekambareswara (earth), Thiruvannamalai Arunachaleswara (fire) and Kalahasti Nathar (wind).

This temple is a very holy site of ancient renown and modern importance. It rose on an ancient site, with some of its inner portions being of the remotest antiquity, having been preserved with care and enriched by devotees for many generations.

Her earlier name was Thillai and has long been famous for its great temple to Shiva as NataraJa, the Lord of the Cosmic Dance. It is the house of God, ‘The Koil par excellence’ for all Shaivites. It is associated with great Bhakthas, great literati, leaders of many philosophies and religions, and saints of rare piety. Nataraja's Ananda Tandava (dance of Bliss) has taken place since the inception of the Universe. Nataraja dances in Chidambaram{the Heartcenter of the universe) for the sake of His devotees.

The Nataraja icon, the image of Shiva Dancing, now known as Manicka Murthi and Ratna-' Sabapathl, is the image of Nataraja found and brought by Thillai Deekshithars from Antar Vedi. This is the Luminous Nataraja.

As Lord Nataraja performs his Dance, it is also known as Chit-Sabha. The Lord functions in five aspects, by dancing in this Sabha, the five functions are Creation, Destruction, Grace, Dissolution, and Blessings. The functions of the world will stop to exist if the Dance of the Lord were to cease.

A matter of exquisite significance in this Shrine is the presence of five Sabhas : Chith Sabhai, Kanaga Sabhai, Sabhai, Nritha Sabhai, and Raja Sabhai. Also unique is the ability to worship both Shiva and Vishnu from one space, that is presenting a vision of both Shiva and Vishnu from the same position. Chidambaram is Akasha Kshethra (space) which is one of the Pancha Bootha Kshethras (five elements).

The Shrine of Thillai Koothan is spread over an area of 51 acres. The Shrine's beauty is enhanced by architecture which includes four imposing Towers situated east, west, south and north of the Temple. On both sides of Raja Gopura are seen sculptures of Bharatha Natya with Karanas. The flute bearing ganas sculptural representation, located in the entrance of the east tower of temple, is view arresting. Further, on both sides of the entrance, sculptures of dance, one above the other, are noteworthy.

Anecdotes from Kanda Puranam are to be seen in the form of paintings in the Subramanya temple called Pandiya Nayaga. It can be said that the caliber of paintings are executed to inspire our imagination.

For three thousand years, from the time Nataraja revealed his Ananda Tandava in Jnana Sabha to Vyagrapadha and Pathanjali. Thillai priests have perform the vedic rituals to the deity. Every day worship is conducted six times to Nataraja; three worships in the morning and three in the evening. The four Nayanmars : Appar, Snndarar, sambandar and Manickavasagar have visited this temple with four wide entrances, and after worshipping have sung hymns. Now to summarize the whole interpretation, we find that the essential significance of Lord Shiva’s Dance is three fold. First, It is the image of his rhythmic activity as the Source of all movements within the Cosmos, which is represented by the Icon's "arch". Secondly, is to release the countless souls from the snare of illusion. Thirdly the place of the dance, Chidambaram, the center of the universe, is within the heart.

It is essential for everyone should visit Lord Nataraja’s temple and perform at least once in his life time and be blessed By Lord Nataraja.

Thanjavur was the royal city of the Cholas, Nayaks and the Mahrattas. Thanjavur derives its name from Tanjan-an asura (giant), who according to local legend devastated the neighbourhood and was killed by Sri Anandavalli Amman and Vishnu, Sri Neelamegapperumal. Tanjan's last request that the city might be named after him was granted.

Thanjavur rose to glory during the later Chola reign between the 10th and the 14th Centuries and became a centre of learning and culture. It is the headquarters of the disrict of the same name. Thanjavur district, the ' Rice Bowl ' of Tamil Nadu, is also known for its exquisite handicrafts, bronzes and South Indian Musical Instruments.

History A brief introduction to the Later Cholas or the Thanjavur Cholas. Rajaraja Cholan the Great, occupies the foremost place in the history of the later Cholas. Vijayalaya Chola was the founder of the later Chola dynasty. He conquered the country from a vassal chief of the pallavas, and established Thanjavur as the capital of the dynasty. His son and successor Aditya I conquered the pallavas and the Kongu country; and his son Parantakan I (AD 907-953), under his leadership, the cholas acquired a dominion which foreshadowed the greater empire Rajarajan and Kulotungan.

Kumbakonam Temples:

This temple is an ancient and placed its name in Indian history . The presiding Deity of this temple is Lord KUMBESWARA and the presiding Goddess is Sri MANGALAMBIGAI. Tradition goes to say that during the Mahapralaya Great Floods after DWABARAYUGA, a KUMBAM ( Pot full of amirtham and seeds for creation was set afloat by Siva . It was proclaimed by Shiva Himself that the place where the pot touched the ground and had its rest would be considered as the holiest places in the world .

Since the said Kumbam , as announced by the creator of the world , had its rest in this place , this ancient place is named as Kumbakonam after that Kumbam . Immediately after its rest Lord Shiva appeared in the guise of a hunter and broke the said Kumbam full of Amirtham with his arrow. The spilt amirtham pooled together in a place now known as MAHAMAHAM TANK where in millions of pilgrims have their Holy Bath during Mahamaham. Then Lord Shiva gathered the stand, spread the remaining Amirtham in that place and shaped it into the present " MAHALINGAM " which is known as "SRI ADHIKUMBESWARA". It is to be noted that this Mahalingam unlike other Lingams found in almost other temples, is not made of granite stone and as such Abishekams cannot be performed with watery substances lest it should dissolve the shape of the Lingam.The temple was built by a Chola King and the temple building itself would seem to have been renovated by the Nayak King.

Of the many temples in Kumbakonam, the most striking is the Lord Sarangapani Temple, a Vaishnavite temple. This twelve storied 147 feet high temple was built by the Nayak Kings during 15th Century. The Ramaswamy Temple which depicts the paintings of Ramayanam is another important Vaishanavite temple in Kumbakonam. The greatness of Ramasamy Temple is said to be the only temple where Rama, Sita are in the same platform and also that Hanumar instead of Reading the is playing the Veena. The entire deity is said to be made from Saligrama Monolith which is truly astounding. Morever the Temple is filled with such intricate carvings in all its pillars that even great dancers come here to see the Mudras.

One of the most ancient temples in Kumbakonam that has been sung by the Saivite Saints the small Nageswara Swami - Shiva temple, one of the finest early Chola temples, is noted for the quality of its sculpture, thought to have been completed a few years into the reign of Parantaka I (907-940).

Adisesha and had worshipped Sri Nageswara here.Standing in a courtyard, the principal shrine to Shiva is connected to a columned mandapa. Both share a base carved with scenes from the epics and lotus petals. The main niches on the sanctum wall contain sculptures - on the north, Dakshinamurti ,on the west Ardhanarishvara and Brahma on the south.Shrines dedicated to Pralayakaala Rudrar and Goddess Kali can also be seen in the temple complex.The sun’s rays fall on the lingam in the central shrine through an opening in the eastern tower for 3 days in a year – on the 11th,12th & 13th days in the month of Chithrai one of the 275 padal petra siva stalams.The presiding deity here is Lord Shiva, known here as ‘Paataala Beejanathar’.

SREE RANGA PATANAM During the period of invasion by Malik Kafur and his forces in 1310–1311, Namperumal was stolen and taken to Delhi. In a daring exploit, devotees of Srirangam ventured to Delhi and enthralled the emperor with their histrionics. Moved by their talent, the emperor was pleased to gift them the presiding deity of Srirangam, which was requested by the performers. Things took a drastic turn immediately. Surathani, his daughter, fell in love with the deity and followed him to Srirangam. She prostrated herself to the God in front of the Sanctum Sanctorum and is believed to have attained the Heavenly Abode immediately. Even today, a painting of "Surathani" (known as "Thulukha Nachiyar" in Tamil) can be seen in the Arjuna Mandap adjacent to the Sanctum Sanctorum for whom, "chappathis" are made daily. Having assumed that the magical power of the deity had killed his daughter, there was a second invasion to Srirangam in 1323 A.D. This time it was more severe. The presiding deity was taken away before the emperor's troops reached Srirangam by a group led by the Vaishnavite Acharaya, Pillai Lokacharyar, who died en-route to Thirunelveli in Tamil Nadu. The Goddess "Renganayaki" was taken in another separate procession. Swami Desika, instrumental in planning the operations during the siege of the temple, closed the Sanctum Sanctorum of the temple with bricks, after the processions of the presiding had left—thereby protected the temple for generations to come.

13,000 Sri Vaishnavas, the people of Srirangam, laid down their lives in the fierce battle to ensure that the institution was protected. In the end, "Devadasis", the danseuse of Srirangam, seduced the army chief, to save the temple.

After nearly six decades, the presiding deity returned to Srirangam and the same Swami , who had built a brick wall in front of the sanctum sanctorum, broke it open. We learn that the deity of Srirangam had lived in the hills of Tirumala Tirupati for quite a long period of time.

It is not surprising to note that the temple and the life of the people, even today, are intertwined. The Lord is their Ruler and also their Child. It is believed that Sriman Narayana presently lives in Srirangam and not in His abode, Vaikuntham.[citation needed]

[edit] Significance of the Temple

Stone carving at Ranganathaswamy temple in Srirangam. Source:The National Geographic Magazine, Nov 1909

Religious documentation informs us that this temple is the only one of its kind for Lord Vishnu that was sung in praise by all the Alwars (Divine saints of Tamil Bhakthi movement), having a total of 247 "pasurams" (hymns) in its name. Acharyas of all schools of thought -- Advaita, Vishistadvaita and Dvaita -- recognize the immense significance this temple, regardless of their affiliation.

The temple amazes us with its astounding architecture and sculptural beauty. The "hall of 1000 pillars" (actually 953) is a fine example of a planned theatre-like structure and opposite to it, "Sesha Mandap", with its intricacy in sculpture, is a delight. The Rajagopuram (the main gopuram that is one of the tallest temple religious structures in the world) did not reach its current height of 73 m. until 1987, when the 44th Jeer of Ahobila Mutt initiated the process with the help of philanthropists and others.