Tamilnadu- Kooduthurai and Tiruchengodu (2016)
Description to be added later.
Kooduthurai is near Bhavani. It is the Triveni Sangamam (confluence of three rivers) of South. We visited this place to mark the 2nd anniversary of my mother. Picture shows entrance to Sangameswarar and Perumal Temples(daytime picture from internet)
Perumal Complex is at left. It is rare to have Eswaran and Perumal Temples within the same campus. The area is 4 acres. You are looking at North entrance 5 tier Gopuram.(daytime picture from internet)
Perumal Complex (Adhi Kesava Perumal- Lakshmi Narasimhar-Soundharavalli Thayar) (daytime picture from internet)
Sangameswarar Sannidhi(daytime picture from internet)
Vedanayaki Amman Temple (another daytime view)
Sangameswarar- VedanayakiThirugnanasambandar (7th century) praised this temple in Thevaram in 10 poemsHe called Kooduthurai as Thirunana (Theemai Nannaa Oor)
We the party of nine reached Kooduthurai in the evening to take part in Arthakala Pooja- an enchanting evening of Tamil Saivite hymn chanting
An hour of Thevaram hymns were recited while the Utsava Murthy (procession idol) was prepared to go to Amman;'s temple. The lyrics, music, procession with handful of devotees and olympic style torch makes it a memorable experience.It is hard to describe whether it is ecstasy or Bhakti Paravasam?I went second year in a row to get this experience!
English translation of previous slide- Tirumuarai 6- Tirukkayilai ThiruththandakamTirunavukkarasar (7th-8th century)
Procession ends in Vedanayaki Amman Sannidhi. Eswara from the palanquin was taken out and placed on a gold plated swing where Vedanayaki was already seated. A hymn called Ponnusal (swing song) was recited while the swing was put into motion. ( picture from internet)
Here is an example of swing song. Sangameswarar and Vedanayaki are kept on a golden swing and these songs are sung when the swing is in motion.The songs were written in 9th century AD.After this event, the door to the bed room will be closed. and the Arthakala puja is completed.
After this Arthakala Pooja, main doors to the temples were locked and the Priest carries the keys securely!
Priest makes it look like an easy job!
Early morning next day
People assemble at Vedanayaki Sannidhi for Tiruppalli Ezhichi (wake up call hymn and puja)
Tiruppalli Ezhuchi- Wake up call to Siva-Manickavasakar is one of the early pioneers of this style of compositionAlvars and Venkatesasubrabatham followed his lead
English translation of previous Tamil slide from Internet
Hundreds of birds from all these trees join the chorus as exactly Manickavasakar observed in his wake up call!
Eswarar (Utsavamurthy) is taken in a palanquin from Vedanayaki Sannidhi to his abode. Note the handheld torch for light and simple musical instruments and chanting of hymns (last year photo)
Procession proceeds to Sangameswarar Sannidhi(last year photo)
Procession ends in Sangameswarar sannidhi. A delightful experience.(last year photo)
Sunrise
We also had a diversion. Performed the second anniversary Srartham for my mother Shrimathi. Gnanambal at the confluence of Kaveri-Bhavani-mythical Amutha rivers.Internet aerial picture
From Karungalpalayam, we reached Tiruchengode- an hour from ErodeSilappadhikaram references the Murugan temple hereசீர்கெழு செந்திலும் செங்கோடும் வெண்குன்றம்ஏரகமும் நீங்கா இறைவன் - சிலப்பதிகாரம்
The red hills is a celebrated temple for Murugan and Arthanareeswaran. It is located 650 ft above ground and a nice road takes you to the top by car or bus.
Aerial view of the valley below
Siva Siva sign is easily visible to the valley below
It was a scorching sun. We couldn't climb the steps with bare feet and touch the hand rail with bare hands
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Arungirinathar and Nayanamar wrote hymns on Arthanareeswarar and Murugan, the Gods on this holy red hill"செங்கோடனைச் சென்று கண்டு தொழநாலயிரங்கண் படைத்தில னேயந்த நான்முகனே"- அருணகிரிநாதர்
Anai Chathan, the bird referenced by Andaal in Tiruppavai- Black Drongo- Neenda Vaal karunguruvi on the top of the hill
Andal (8th century)- the best loved female poet saint wrote Tiruppavai. Above one is Song # 7- Pasuram # 7.Andal reminds a sleeping lady, "Wake up, the Black Drongos are singing and it's day break. It's time to praise Narayana""Black Bird- Black Drongo-Anaichathan- Neenda Vaal Karung Kuruvi- Valiyan
Monkeys can handle the heat!
Inside Arthanareeswarar Temple Mandapam, it was cool and comfortable by shade and natural ventilation!
Beautiful sculpture carved on the pillars. Monkeys are at home.
One can spend hours, studying every pillar; intricate art
Scuptures are beautiful throughout inside and outside
A lovely couple
Sengottuvelan
Arthanareeswarar_Panchalogam
Arthanareeswarar- swayambu vigraham
