Date uploaded in Kumbakonam, India – 14 March 2026
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The temple of Airavatesvara in Darasuram (Tamil Nadu), dating from the second half of the twelfth century, is one of the four biggest temples erected by the Choza Dynasty.
I have already visited Thanjavur Big Temple and Gangaikonda Chozapuram many times. On Tenth March 2026, I visited the Darasuram temple for the first time. I took an auto from Kumbhakonam and reached the temple within half hour. I spent an hour taking pictures. The entry is free. But compared with other two temples it is less shiny. Many of the sculptures are worn out. 800 years ago, it was the capital of Choza empire with the name Rajarajeswaram. Later it became popular with the name Airavateswar Temple.
Airavatam is the white elephant and the vehicle/ Vahana of Indra. Once it came under the curse of Durvasa Muni and lost its lustre. It came and worshiped Lord Shiva here and got out of the curse. Now we can have good darshan of Lord Airavateswara in Siva Linga form and Goddess Deivanayaki. The temple com[plex maintained by the archaeological department is huge and has 40,000 sculptures. All the Vedic Gods and later gods are sculpted and occupy the niches. Beautiful decorative stone windows are in between the Gods.
Here are salient features:
The temple is constructed like a stone chariot pulled by the horses.
The entire temple complex is filled with rich carvings and inscriptions that narrate stories from ancient Indian Puranas. It has musical steps. These 7 singing steps that lead to the altar are intricately carved and represent seven musical notes.
The reliefs all along the base of the main temple narrate the stories of the sixty three Shaiva Bhakti saints called Nayanars. These stories are found in the Periya Purana by Sekkilar.
On the outer walls of the main sanctum are sculpture niches; They show various Hindu deities, with the middle one of each side showing Shiva in different aspects.
There are variousNorthern face: Adi Chandesvara, Gangadevi, Tumburu Nardar, Vaisravana, Chandra, Maha Sata, Nagaraja, Vayu
East: Agni deva, Agastya, Sri devi, Durga devi, Devendran, Padma Nidhi, Surya, Subrahmanya, Kshetrapala, Sarasvati, Visvakarma, Isana inscriptions in the temple.
Airavatesvara Temple was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage Site list of Great Living Chola Temples in the year 2004. The American astronomer Carl Sagan visited the Airavatesvara Temple for his 1980 television documentary series, Cosmos: A Personal Voyage.
Please see the pictures taken by me to appreciate the efforts of great and dedicated sculptors.pictures speak more than words
–Subham—
Tags- Darasuram, Airavateswarar temple, My visit, Choza monument, 40000 sculptures.
Date uploaded in Kumbakonam, India – 12 March 2026
Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com
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Athi Varadar festival in Kumbakonam featuring the rare, once-in-12-years public viewing of the idol ended on tenth March 2026. Over 500,000 devotees had the darshan standing in the long queue for hours.
Here are the key details from the news reports (as of March 2026):
12-Year Cycle: Unlike the 40-year cycle in Kanchipuram, the Athi Varadar idol at the Varadharaja Perumal Temple in Kumbakonam is brought out from its underground chamber once every 12 years.
Current Event (2026): The idol was brought out for public worship in March 2026, marking the end of its 12-year seclusion.
Duration: The special darshan, which includes rituals like Thailakappu (oil anointing) and Oonjal Sevai (swing ritual), is scheduled for a limited period, often spanning about 10 days, attracting thousands of devotees.
Location: The temple is located on Brahmman Koil Street in Kumbakonam.
In a spiritually significant event, the sacred Athi Varadar idol will be brought out from the underground chamber of the Varadharaja Perumal Temple in Kumbakonam after a gap of 12 years. The rare occasion drew devotees not only from Tamil Nadu but also from Andhra, Telangana, Kerala and a few North Indian states.
The Athi Varadar idol, carved from the sacred athi (fig) tree, is preserved in a subterranean chamber within the temple premises as part of a long-standing tradition. According to temple customs, the idol is taken out only once every 12 years for a brief period of public worship. Along with the main deity, Sri Devi and Bhoodevi are also part of the ceremonial display.
During the special darshan period, which lasted for ten days, elaborate rituals and poojas were conducted in accordance with Agama traditions. Ceremonies such as Thailakappu (oil anointing), Pushpa Alankaram (flower decoration), and Oonjal Sevai (swing ritual) were performed with devotional fervour.
Temple authorities made extensive arrangements to manage the surge in devotees, including regulated darshan timings and security measures. The event transformed Kumbakonam into a major spiritual hub, as devotees gathered to witness and participate in this rare and auspicious tradition.
Only one incident was reported ;a devotee passed away while waiting in the long queue for the darshan on March 10, 2026.
( The Athi Varadar idol in Kumbakonam is distinct from the more famous, larger Athi Varadar idol in Kanchipuram, though both are made of fig wood.)
***
Adi Varaha Perumal /Vishnu Temple
I visited Adi Varaha Perumal /Vishnu Temple (aadi varaaha perumaal) on 10th March 2026 and had good darshan. It is a small temple compared to Sarngapani and Chakrapani Vishnu temples. It is very near the famous Kumbeshwar Siva Temple.
God/Moolavar : Sri Adhi Varaha Perumal
Goddess/Thayar : Sri Ambujavalli
It has no tall tower. but instead there is an Arch which is East facing. On top of the Welcome Arch Sri Varaha Perumal is seen along with few other Gods. There is a gold plated Dwajasthambam, a Bali Peedam and a Garudalwar who faces the Moolavar Sannadhi. It is about 800 years old.
Thayar/Goddess Ambujavalli is in a separate shrine in a sitting posture with abhaya varada hastam.
According to Sthala Purana/ local history,Demon Hiranyaksha took Bhumadevi deep inside the earth. Bhumadevi prayed to Maha Vishnu to rescue her. Maha Vishnu took the Varaha avatar, dug the earth with his nose, and brought her back. Hence, Maha Vishnu of this temple is called Adhi Varaha Perumal Temple. Varaha means boar. It I one of the Ten Avatars/Dasavatar.
This Temple is one of the five Templescelebrating Mahamaham festival that is held once in 12 years. Inside the Sanctum Sanctorum Adhi Varaha Perumal can be seen along with His Consort Bhoomadevi on His Lap and Adisesham can be seen in a standing posture.
This is a Vadakalai temple with Nigamantha Desikan shrine inside the temple.
One of the special features of the temple is a rare Prasad/Food offering. A root called Korai Kizangu is used in the food offering to God here. Since the God is in the form of Boar, this is considered appropriate offering.
Korai Kizhangu, or Nut Grass (Cyperus rotundus), is a traditional Ayurvedic and Siddha tuberous root known for its diverse medicinal, skincare, and hair removal properties. It is used to treat skin infections, improve skin texture, boost immunity, and aid digestion, often consumed as a powder or used as a topical paste.
Date uploaded in Kumbakonam, India – 11 March 2026
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I was fortunate to have good darshan at Kumbesshwar Shiva temple and Nageswara Shiva temple in Kumbakonam. I visited Kumbeshwar temple for the fourth time in the past four years. This time I went there specifically to thank the Lord and the priest for retrieving my lost passport. During my visit in 2025, my British passport was pickpocketed by someone. Finding no money in the passport bag, he threw it into the temple flower heap. The priest saw that while clearing the flowers and gave it to his wife to find the owner. She found me after a great effort and spending much time. After a few hours of phoning people, she googled swaminathan from London, and all my books appeared in google and amazon. Then she found the publisher Pustaka.co.in and phoned the proprietor. He is a good friend of my brother in Bengaluru. When my brother phoned me the good news, I booked a taxi to and from Chennai and reached Kumbakonam just before midnight. I thanked the priest and his wife and travelled back to Chennai to catch my flight to London. When I gave some money as a token of thanks, they refused to take it and asked me to donate it to the temple. It was almost midnight and the temple was closed. This time on 5-3-2026, I went to Kumbeshwar temple and put the money in the temple Hundi thanking both lord Shiva and the priest family.
Kumbheswar is the God who gave the name to the town. Here are the salient features:
The Adi Kumbeswarar Temple in Kumbakonam is at least 1400-year-old Shiva temple ;it is the site for the Mahamakam Festival held every 12 years. The big Mahamakam tank is near the temple.
Temple features a unique, sand-mixed lingam created by Lord Shiva and houses a rare, ancient stone Nagaswaram
Deity: Lord Shiva as Adi Kumbeswarar and Parvati as Mangalambigai Amman.
Significance: It is the primary temple in Kumbakonam, linked to the pot of nectar in Hindu mythology.
Features: It showcases Chola and Nayak architecture, including a 1400-year-old legacy.
Cultural Reference: it has rare statue of Jvaradeva/Jurakareśvara and a stone Nagaswaram.
The Siva Linga is slightly tilted at the top towards left.
It has four towers in four directions; The tallest is the eastern tower, with 11 stories and a height of 128 feet (39 m) .
The sixteen-pillared hall built during the Vijayanagara period has all the 27 stars and 12 zodiacs sculpted in a single stone.
During cosmic dissolution, a pot containing nectar (Amirta) was floating and lord Siva came in the disguise of a hunter and pierced the pot with an arrow, thereby making the nectar to flow through it’s nostril on all sides. Hence this place is named Kudamooku (kuda – pot; mooku – nostril or tip). Kudam in Sanskrit is Kumbham. The Kumbeswarar (Linga) is on the form of conical lingam. That gave the name Kumbha konam.
***
Special Features of Nageshwar Shiva Temple
The presiding deity is revered in the 7th-century Tamil Tevaram. The temple is one of the earliest of all Chola temples. Shiva in the guise of Nagaraja, the serpent king.
Sun rays fall directly on the deity during April-May.
WHITE FIGURE- PADAKACHERI SWAMI WHO RENOVATED THE TEMPLE IN 1920S.
Key Details of Nageshwar Temple, Kumbakonam:
Deity: Lord Shiva is worshipped as Nageswaran, Naganathar, or Koothandavar.
Architecture: Known as Kudandai Keezhkkottam, the temple is a masterpiece of Chola engineering, with the main sanctum constructed in the shape of a chariot.
Astronomy & Light: The temple is designed so that sun rays fall on the central lingam for three days in the Tamil month of Chithirai (April/May).
Significance: It is one of the 12 temples associated with the Mahamaham festival.
Legend: It is believed that the serpent king Adisesha worshipped Shiva here. Another legend features kings and sages worshipping here to overcome obstacles.
Specialty: It is a major spot for relieving Rahu dosham, with special prayers held on Mondays and Thursdays.
The temple complex is famous for its intricate carvings and its role as a key historical site representing the Chola dynasty’s architectural prowess.
The temple has numerous shrines, with those of Nageswarar, Pralayamkathanathar and Periyanayagi being the most prominent..
This place has been referredto in Tevaram written by Saint Tamil poet of 7th Century CE, Thirugnana Sambanthar. So it is older than 1400 years.
The temple had been a centre of learning as seen from the inscriptions in the temple. The inscriptions indicate specific subjects like Purvamimansa styled as Pravahakarma. There were also provisions made for feeding and maintaining for teachers and students
–subham—
Tags- Famous Shiva Temples in Kumbakonam, Kumbeshwar, Nageshwar, Stone Nadaswara, Stone Chariot, Mahamakam Tank, Festival, Adishesan, Snake worship, PICTURES BY LONDON SWAMINATHAN
Date uploaded in Kumbakonam, India – 10 March 2026
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Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.
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Like Kanchipuram, Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu is also dotted with several Vishnu and Shiva temples. They are called Temple Towns; only difference is Kanchi has Jain temples as well. In Kanchi one can see more Pallava influence and in Kumbakonam one can see more Choza influence.
The Vishnu temples I visited on 5-3-2026, are Bow Holder Temple (Sarangapani) and Wheel Holder Temple (Chakrapani). They are sung by Alvars, Tamil Vaishnavite saints and dated 1200 to 1500 years old. Both the temples have some unique features.
Vishnu has five weapons in his hands.
Vanamali Gadi Sarangi Shanki Chakri Cha Nandaki Shriman Narayano Vishnur Vasudevo Bhirakshatu.
वनमाली गदी शार्ङ्गी शङ्खी चक्री च नन्दकी।
श्रीमान् नारायणो विष्णुर्वासुदेवोऽभिरक्षतु॥
Vanamali (वनमाली): One who wears the Vanamala, a divine garland made of forest flowers (Vaijayanti), representing the subtler elements of nature.
Gadi (गदी): The bearer of the mace named Kaumodaki;
Sharngi (शार्ङ्गी): The wielder of the Sharnga bow;
conch (Shankhi), discus (Chakri), and sword (Nandaki).
Lord Narayana, who is adorned with these divine weapons and symbols, including the conch (Shankhi), discus (Chakri), and sword (Nandaki). It is chanted for safety and to remove obstacles.
Let us first visit Sarngapani (saarngapaani) Sarngam is the bow and Paani in Sanskrit is Hand.
The Sarangapani Temple is a 1000 year old Hindu temple in dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is depicted holding the sharanga (bow). It is one of the 108 Divya Desams and a significant Pancharanga Kshetram located on the Kaveri River bank. It features unique chariot-shaped architecture and legends.
Situated in Kumbakonam, this temple is revered in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham by seven Alvars (poet-saints).
Architecture: The main sanctum is designed like a chariot (Ratha) pulled by elephants and horses, featuring intricate carvings from the Chola and Nayak periods.
Deity: Lord Sarangapani is in a reclining posture (Bhujanga sayanam) on the chariot bed.
Legends: The temple is associated with Sage Hemarishi, who did penance to have Lakshmi as his daughter, and it is a Pancha Kshethram where Goddess Lakshmi was born as Bhargavi.
Key Spots: Includes the Pathala Srinivasan sanctum (underground) and the Mettu Srinivasan (above ground) sanctum.
Festivals: The temple celebrates major festivals, including the chariot festival (Rathotsavam).
Lakshmi emerged from the Potramarai tank among thousand lotuses and was thus named Komalavalli (the one who emerged from lotus). Vishnu descended to earth as Aravamudhan in a chariot drawn by horses and elephants from his abode Vaikuntam.He stayed in the nearby Someswaran Temple to convince Lakshmi to marry him and the couple eventually got married. The temple follows Pancharatra Agama and Vadakalai tradition.
Tallest tower
The Sarangapani Temple dates back to the Pallava era; however, the existing edifice is linked to the Vikrama Chola period, beginning in 1121 AD. Its importance grew significantly during the reigns of the Vijayanagara and Nayaka dynasties from the 15th to the 17th centuries, which saw considerable expansion of the temple’s structure
A notable highlight of the Sarangapani Temple is its main entrance, the rajagopuram, which rises to a height of 173 feet and consists of eleven tiers. This structure is the tallest temple tower in Kumbakonam and ranks as the third tallest gopuram among the Divya Desams, following Srirangam (236 feet) and Srivilliputhur (192 feet).
Trial Run of the New Chariot
Trial run of the New Ratha/ Chariot of Sarngapani
Is taking place on 13-3-2026. This is one of the biggest chariots of Tamil temples.
Height – 60 feet; Weight 500 Tons;
Chariot’s horses and other figures are made up of papier mache and bamboo. It will be used next Chitrai month . Thousands of people will pull it using 300 metre long huge rope.
***
Chakrapani temple
All the Shiva and Vishnu temples are in walking distance. Chakrapani temple is unique in many respects.
In the Chakrapani Temple, Lord Vishnu appears in the form of a discus or Chakra to put down the pride of Surya, who subsequently became his devotee. Like Lord Shiva, Lord Chakrapani has a third eye on his forehead.
Lord Vishnu appears as the fiery Sudarshana Chakra with eight arms and a third eye, resembling Lord Shiva to subdue Surya’s pride. It is known for its “Bhaskara Kshetram” where the Sun God worships the deity. Bhaskra means Sun/Surya.
Picture shows Sun God worshipping Chakrapani.
Unique Deity Form: Lord Chakrapani is depicted not as a human avatar but as the radiant, Sudarshana Chakra (wheel ) housed in a central sanctum.
Third Eye & Eight Arms: Unlike typical Vishnu forms, this idol has eight arms holding weapons and a third eye on the forehead, similar to Lord Shiva.
Bilva leaves are used here instead of Tulsi.
Sun Worship (Bhaskara Kshetram): Legend holds that the Sun God (Surya) worshipped the Chakra here to regain his lost brilliance, making it a prominent place for Sun worship.
Architecture & Entrances: The temple has a five-tiered Raja Gopuram and features two entrances—”Thatchinaya Vayil” and “Utharavana Vayil”—and an outer Prakara built like a balcony.
Historical Significance: A bronze statue of the Maratha King Serfoji II is present, as he is said to have been cured of a severe illness by the deity.
Important Rituals: It is one of the five Vishnu temples involved in the Mahamaham festival, with major, unique celebrations including the, Thirumanjanam (holy bath) and special, worship during Masi Magam.
Pancha Mukha Hanuman: The temple complex contains an idol of the five-faced Hanuman.
The temple is also known for, being a place where worshippers, pray for relief, from, physical, or, mental, illnesses.
***
As per Hindu legend, Chakra (also called Sudarshana), is the most powerful weapon of god Vishnu. He once sent his weapon to nether world to kill king Jalandasura. The weapon is believed to have come out of the nether world through river Kaveri. God Brahma, installed the image of Sudarshana in the place where the temple is now located. Surya, the Sun god, who was glowing in brilliance, had his brightness diminished by the effulgent Sudarshana. Surya worshipped Sudarshana and pleased by his devotion, Sudarshana restored all the powers of Surya. He worshiped Chakrathazhwar (personified Wheel or Discuss) during Masi Magam and every year Masi Magam festival is celebrated during the day, commemorating the event. The temple car is drawn around the streets of the temple during the day.
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About sixty years ago, we used to travel from Madurai to Vaitheeswaran Koil to worship our family deity Shiva. There Lord Shiva is called Mr Doctor (In Sanskrit Vaidyanathan) . He is doctor for the diseases our body catches as well as the disease of birth and death. And we used to stay in our uncle’s house at Mayavaram, also known as Mayuram, Mailaduthurai ; in fact Mayiladuthurai is the name used by the Thevaram saints. Since the God Mayuranathar is sung by Appar/Tirunavukkarasar and his junior Gnana Sambandar the place is well known for at least 1400 years.
When we stay at our uncle’s house we used to go to the temple and spend much time sitting in the Prakara (corridor) discussing various matters. I visited the temple again on 5-3-2026.
The temple at Mayuram (Mayura in Sanskrit is Mayil in Tamil meaning peacock) has a story.
Goddess Parvati went to her father Daksha’s Yagna (Fire sacrifice) uninvited. Daksha invited all but not Shiva. He didn’t bother; but when he insulted Parvati she fell in the Yagna fire and sacrificed herself. Shiva became angry and sent Virabhadra to destroy all the people in the Yagna Hall. At the same time Shiva cursed even his own wife for not obeying to his instruction. She was cursed to become a peacock (peahen)and she worshipped Shiva at this place to get out of the curse.
Several inscriptions in the temple show the donations made by Choza , Pandya and Vijayanagara kings. So the temple has a long history.
Salient features of the Mayiladuthurai Temple are:
It is on the southern banks of the River Kaveri. Every Aippasi month (one of the 12 Tamil months) thousands of people take holy dip in the river in the early morning. At that time, it is as holy as Ganga and the town is as holy as Kasi (Varanasi/Benares). The 30 day holy bath (Thula Snanam) concludes in the first day of next month called Kartikai.
God Shiva appears in the form of Swayambu Linga here. Goddess is called Abhayambikai. In the same temple there is a shrine called Adi Mayuranathar shrine where Goddess is in peacock form.
The statuesof planet Saturn (Sani) and goddess Durga in the temple have unique features. Sani has Flame (fire) head; Durga has demons at her feet.
Nataraja here did Gauri Tandava. The tower is 165 feet tall and it is a nine storeyed tower.
Lord Ganapati is called Agastya Vinayaka. All the popular Hindu Gods have shrines in the temple. There is a tank attached to the temple.
· Architecture: Originally from the 7th century, it was significantly built/expanded by the Cholas (11th century).
· Mythology: Legend says Goddess Parvati worshipped Shiva here in the form of a peacock (Mayur).
· Location: Situated in the heart of Mayiladuthurai town, Nagapattinam District, Tamil Nadu.
· Important Festivals: The “Thula Utsavam” in the Tamil month of Aippasi (October-November) is a major event.
· Address: Mayuranathar Colony, Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu – 609001.
In the 14th century, Tamil poet Arunagirinathar composed a Tiruppugaz song on the deity Murugan, in this temple. The shrine is managed by Thiruvavaduthurai adheenam.
It is about 256 km (159 mi) southeast of Chennai, the state capital. The nearest railway station is Mayiladuthurai railway junction 2 km (1.2 mi) from the temple.
The temple is a huge temple and one needs an hour or less to complete the round.
Date uploaded in Sydney, Australia – 2 February 2026
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During my previous two trips to Sydney, I covered Shiva, Murugan (Skanda/ Kartikeya), Venkateswara, and Nantien Buddhist temples. During this third trip, I decided to cover rest of the temples. So, I went to Ganapathy (Vinayakar) temple and a Shakti temple in the past few weeks. My son told me that there are two more temples in an industrial area one next to another. Who will say we don’t want two birds in one stone. So, we rushed there in car on 31 January 2026 to get two mangoes in one stone. We were not disappointed.
In a vast industrial area with trucks and cranes, two small temples peeped out. First, we entered the Sydney Durga temple.
Surprise! Surprise!
Wes aw Tamil poet Tiruvalluvar statue next to Sarasvati Devi statue in the temple complex. When we moved a little further, we saw Tamil poet Ilango’s statue, the author of the most famous Tamil epic Silappadikaram.
Then we climbed several steep steps to see a huge hall with Goddess Durga in the main shrine. From the temple posters we came to know that it is run by Sri Lankan Tamils. On either side of the main shrine Lord Ganesh and Lord Skanda/ Murgan occupied two small shrines.
The unique feature of the temple is the eight beautiful Lakshmi statues (Ashta Laksmi) in the corridor. Apart from them, there are Navagrahas and other minor deities. There were four priests looking after the visiting devotees. In total only 25 devotees were inside the huge Mandapa. So, we had good Darshan (viewing) of Gods. It has a divine atmosphere.
There is a canteen outside where one can buy Tamil snacks.
Shirdi Saibaba Temple
Just a few doors away, is the Shirdi Sai Temple. Again, we climbed a number of steps to see a huge hall with Shirdi Sai baba occupying the Main shrine. A beautiful and melodious divine song was going on air. It created more divine atmosphere. About 15 people with one priest were there. Lord Ganesh, Siva and Hanuman are in smaller shrines. The unique feature of the temple is a Siva Linga where one can do Abisheka. Water pots are placed near it. We did Abishek (bathing of the God) with Mrtyunjaya Mantra from the Yajurveda. Here also one canteen is operating.
Both the temples must be visited by the devotees. There is good scope for big Puja, ceremonies and Dhyana (meditation).
After visiting Sai Mandir, we came back to Tamil Durga temple and bought hot Idli, Vadai, Sambhar, Chutney and Masala Tea.
Date uploaded in Sydney, Australia – 29 January 2026
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We went to Sri Karphaga Vinayakar Temple in Sydney, Australia on 29-1-2026. It is a temple in one large hall with a small tower. When we went there the temple was celebrating its Annual Mango Festival. We could see about 25 devotees enjoying the Puja to the Dwaja Sthamba. About five priests were doing the decorations and the Puja.
The temple has the main shrine with Karpaka Vinayakar in the centre of the hall .On either side of the main shrine are other deities including Lord Siva, Goddess Meenakshi, Nataraja, Lord Skanda Muruga, Nava Graha etc.
Because of the festival, musicians were playing the Nayanam and Melam (Pipes and drums) that echoed in the hall. We could see a small chariot. The temple has announced that chariots and other idols will be taken along the streets.
Since the temple was located in a Sri Lankan Tamil area we saw several devotees walking towards the temple. Temple distributes free food and Prasad all through the festival days. Other days there is a canteen which sell food in the evening.
It has a good atmosphere and sanctity, and one must visit to get the blessings of Lord Ganesh.
Temple Address
123, The Crescent, Homebush West, New South Wales 2140
Mango Festival is celebrated by all the Sri Lankan temples. The story behind the festival is a popular story. Inter Galactical Space Traveller Narada is famous or notorious for creating quarrels among the celestials which always end with good results. He came with a mango fruit and gave it to Lord Siva in the Kailash with a condition that it can’t be cut when it was to given to any one. Siva’s two sons Lord Ganesh and Lord Skanda Muruga were demanding it. And Siva was in a great dilemma. Siva told them that whoever goes around the world and come back first would get it. Lord Skanda immediately flew on his peacock space rocket and circled the earth in a few minutes. But before that the big tummy boy, Lord Ganesh went round his father and mother Siva and Parvati and said they were the world. Both the parents were happy to hear it. And Siva gave the mango to him. Late comer Lord Skanda Muruga was disappointed. This is the background of the Mango festival which illustrated that father and mother are greater than the earth.
During the festival which runs up to ten days or so, the temple idols are taken around the town. The finale will be the chariot festival, and the chariot is pulled by all the people without any discrimination of rich and poor, of high and low status or man and woman or young and old. This festival celebrated by all the Hindu temples around the world inculcate social unity. Moreover God comes to everyone who could not go to a temple.
–Subham—
Tags- Sydney, Karphaga Vinayakar temple, My visit, Chariot festival, Australia
Date uploaded in Sydney, Australia – 24 January 2026
Contact – swami_48@yahoo.com
Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.
this is a non- commercial blog. Thanks for your great pictures.
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My Visit to Sydney Shakti Temple and Lisgar Gardens (Post No.15,356)
During my last two visits to Australia, I covered Sydney Murugan Temple, Venkateswara temple and Nantien (Wollongong) Buddhist temple. This is my third visit and so I decided to explore new temples in New South Wales state in Australia. We went to Sydney Shakti temple, also called Durga Temple, yesterday. It is a small temple started by Hindus from Fiji Island country in the 1990s. The present temple building was constructed in 2010. Since it is in a residential area, the opening times are restricted by the local council. It is opened two hours in the morning and two hours in the evening.
In spite of restricted hours, devotees visit the temple in good numbers. I saw a constant flow of devotees entering and leaving the temple. On either side of the tall and attractive main deity Shakti, it has Lord Ganesh and Lord Skanda (Murugan in Tamil). It is a small hall which can accommodate 150 people. All the Hindu festivals are celebrated here. During weekends and festival days the opening hours are extended. It is better to consult the temple website for precise information.
Shiva linga, goddess Meenakshi are also worshipped in the main hall. Devotees come with plates filled with flowers and fruits and do the Archana through the priest there. Outside the main hall there is a shrine with Navagrahas (Nine Planets). In the outer prakara/corridor Hanuman statue is also installed. One big hall is there for Ayyappa Puja.
The temple wall is decorated with different forms of goddesss such as Bhuvaneswari, Visalakshi, Mariamman. One needs just half hour to complete the Darshan / viewing.
In the heart of busy shopping area in Hornsby Shire council in Sydney we have a beautiful gardens spreading over 6.5 acres. It is very near the Westfield shopping mall. It is a woody area bought and developed by Max Cotton about 150 years ago. It is famous for two things:
70 Varieties of Camellia Plants
Water Lizards known as Eastern Dragons
Max Cotton loved camellia flowers and so he planted 70 different varieties of the plants. Now there are 300 such plants.
The day before the temple visit, we went to Lisgar Gardens. Though we saw only few flowers, the woody area with creeks, streams and small waterfalls allowed us to breath fresh air. We could smell the fragrance of the flowers. We also saw the water lizards. The eastern water dragons grow up to 90 CMS. The Hornby Shire council bought these gardens and opened it for public. It looks like a forest and one has to go down and down. Those who are adventurous can take the loop walks and go deeper into the bushes.
The garden is closed at 5 pm and signposted to guide the visitors. A surprising thing in Australia is there are well maintained gardens and woody areas very near the cities. Public are not even allowed to cut native trees even inside their houses.
–subham—
Tags- My visit, London swaminathan, Sydney Shakti temple, Lisgar Gardens, Water Dragons, Lizards, Camellia flowers
Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.
this is a non- commercial blog. Thanks for your great pictures.
tamilandvedas.com, swamiindology.blogspot.com
xxxx
Item 288 War Mongers
Puranānūru 7, Poet Karunkulal Āthanār sang to Chozhan Karikāl Peruvalathān (Karikālan),( kari kaalan)
Karikal Choza was one of the greatest Cholza kings of Sangam Age. The worst thing about the Tamils is they fought among themselves continuously for over 1500 years in Tamil Nadu. Here the poet praised Karikal Choza for setting fire to his enemy towns without considering whether it is day or night. What we hear is the crying of the people. The king plundered the towns of the enemies. This is the message of the poem. Tamils were war mongers.
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289
Karikalan was riding an elephant unlike other kings who rode on a horse. He is called Black Legged or Mr Black Foot. There was a family fighting to get the throne and there was an arson attack against him where he got these black feet. We have a similar named king in Puranas- Kalmasha pada.
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290
Vishnu is praised as having Lakshmi on his chest. Here Karikalan is considered a king where Goddess of wealth and Kingdom resides on his chest refusing to go anywhere else. This is an ancient Hindu belief. Even the kingdom is called Rajya Lakshmi. Prosperity, Wealth, Asset are called Lakshmi in Hindu literature.
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291
Name of the poet
The same poet composed another poem about Karikalan. Commentators guess that his hair was so black even when he was old and so the poet was called Karun Kuzal + Aathan. We see more names in Tamil based on one’s body parts. More poets have Eye in their names such as Big Eye, Red Eye etc.
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Important lines from Puram verse
Your chest is so broad, and Thirumakal (Lakshmi) forsakes others for it.
………………..
You do not consider whether it is day or night to plunder enemy towns, blazing them as their citizens cry loudly.
மா மறுத்த மலர் மார்பின் Lakshmi in Chest, 5 ……………….
எல்லையும் இரவும் எண்ணாய், பகைவர் ஊர் சுடு விளக்கத்து அழு விளிக் கம்பலைக் கொள்ளை மேவலை Arson attack and plundering
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292
King is greater than Sun
புறநானூறு8, பாடியவர்: கபிலர், பாடப்பட்டோன்: சேரமான் செல்வக்கடுங்கோ வாழியாதன்,
Puranānūru 8, Poet Kapilar sang for Cheraman Selva Kadunkō Vāzhiyāthan,
Kapilar is the most famous poet of Sangam age. He had the highest praise from other poets for being a Brahmin of spotless character. Moreover, he was the one who has contributed highest number of poems in Sangam tamil Literature.
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293
Here Kapilar praised Chera King by comparing him with the Sun. According to the poet Sun is defective in many ways. Sun hides behind the mountain (implying Chera King never hides). Sun shines only in the day time (Chera king is shining for ever)
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294
My Comments
Commentators never mentioned Zodiac or Uttarayana (northward march of Sun) and Dakshinayana (southward march of sun). I think Kapilar meant only this when he said மாறி வருதி – you come from various directions.
Another point that I would like to add is the Zodiac. Sun travels in circles mean he moves from one sign to another sign. He completes one circle every year by travelling through 12 zodiac signs.
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295 Sanskrit Words
Note the Sanskrit words Bogam and Mandilam in the poem
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Important lines He (Chera king) is greatly generous.
O sun which goes rapidly in circles! How can you compare yourself to Cheralathan with a murderous army that fights battles?
போகம் (Sanskrit word) வேண்டி – desiring pleasure,
கடந்து அடு தானைச் சேரலாதனை யாங்கனம் ஒத்தியோ – how are you equal to Cheralathan with murderous armies that attack .
வீங்கு செலல் மண்டிலம் (Sanskrit Word) – O sun who goes fast in circles, மலை மறைந்து ஒளித்தி – you hide behind mountains,
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296
Puranānūru 9, Poet Nettimaiyār sang for Pandiyan Palyākasālai Muthukudumi Peruvazhuthi.
Go Brahmanebhya Subhamastu Nityam Loka Samstha Sukino Bhavantu
வாழ்க அந்தணர் வானவர் ஆனினம் – திருஞான சம்பந்தர்
புறநானூறு9, பாடியவர்: நெட்டிமையார், பாடப்பட்டோன்: பாண்டியன் பல்யாகசாலை முதுகுடுமிப் பெருவழுதி,
This Pandya King was praised in Puram verse six as a great worshipper of Siva and Brahmins reciting Four Vedas. Here Nettimaiyar adds the ancient Hindu prayer that the whole world should live happily. They always mention From Brahmin to people of all castes, From cow to all living beings should live happily. All the Sanskrit dramas and all the Hindu rituals end with this prayer.
வாழ்க அந்தணர், வானவர், ஆன் இனம்!
வீழ்க, தண்புனல்! வேந்தனும் ஓங்குக!
ஆழ்க, தீயது எல்லாம்! அரன் நாமமே
சூழ்க! வையகமும் துயர் தீர்கவே!
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புறநானூறு9, பாடியவர்: நெட்டிமையார்,
“ஆவும், ஆன் இயல் பார்ப்பன மாக்களும், பெண்டிரும், பிணியுடையீரும் பேணித் தென்புல வாழ்நர்க்கு அருங்கடன் இறுக்கும் பொன் போல் புதல்வர்ப் பெறாஅதீரும், எம் அம்பு கடி விடுதும், நும் அரண் சேர்மின்” என 5 அறத்து ஆறு நுவலும் பூட்கை மறத்தின், கொல்களிற்று மீமிசைக் கொடி விசும்பு நிழற்றும் எங்கோ வாழிய, குடுமி, தங்கோச் செந்நீர்ப் பசும்பொன் வயிரியர்க்கு ஈத்த, முந்நீர் விழவின் நெடியோன் 10 நன்னீர்ப் பஃறுளி மணலினும் பலவே!
He announces in a righteous manner, “Cows, Brahmins with the nature of cows, women, those who are sick, and those living in the southern land with no gold-like sons to perform precious last rites, take refuge! We are ready to shoot volleys of arrows!”
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297
Dharma Yuddha- Hindu Wars based on Rules
Kannaki also ordered the Fire God Agni not to burn the above category of people in Silappadikaram.
In other verses of Purananuru ,we see those who have not got sons yet should not undertake any life threatening task or ritual. So, kings always announce before starting a war that all those vulnerable people should keep away from the war zone. We see this in Mahabharata as well. After sun set both the fighting parties even treated injured people.
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298 Kumari Kanda
This poet lived in the age when ancient South Madurai existed. Later the sea devoured a big area in a Tsunami catastrophe including Then Madurai. Here we get important geographic details about Pahruli River that ran in ancient Kumari Region and the Nediyon Hills.
We also get some details about Indra Festival (Ocean Festival). Silappadikaram and Manimekalai, two Tamil epics, give us full details of Indra Festival.
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our king Kudumi, live for long, more days than the number of sands on the banks of Pakruli River with fine water, where his ancestor Nediyōn celebrated ocean festivals, and gave musicians fresh, reddish gold gifts!
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299 Sand Simile
Hindu poets who composed poems in Tamil and Sanskrit wished long life to the kings. They always used infinity years by saying king should live more years than the sand particles on the banks or the number of stars in the sky.
Now we know that the universe has billion, billion stars. No one can even imagine the number of sand particles on any riverbank or sea shore. How clever our poets were!
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300 முந்நீர் Three Waters= Sea
Tamils were great observers of nature. In Tamil only we have a strange name for sea or ocean Three Waters.
Two commentators give two different interpretations.
Sea is composed of River water, Rain water and Spring water and so it is Three Waters.
Another interpretation is that Sea does three tasks Creation, Protection and Destruction like Brahma, Vishnu and Siva.
Both are very scientific. We know how land came from sea and how they would be destroyed in Tsunami at the end.
Spring water: Now only scientists have discovered deep sea hot springs. Probably our ancestors knew this as well.
Imporatnt Lines in Tamil
முந்நீர்– தமிழகம் கிழக்கு தெற்கு மேற்கு ஆகிய மூன்று திசையானும் நீர்வளைவுண்டது. முந்நீர் என்னும் தமிழ்க்கிளவி இம்முப்புறக் கடலமைப்பைச் சுட்டுவது – வ. சுப. மாணிக்கனாரின் ‘தமிழ்க்காதல்’ நூல், ஆற்று நீரும், ஊற்று நீரும் மழை நீரும் உடைமையான் முந்நீர் – ஒளவை துரைசாமி புறநானூறு 9 உரை, நிலத்தைப் படைத்தலும் காத்தலும் அழித்தலுமாகிய நீர் – நச்சினார்க்கினியர் மதுரைக்காஞ்சி 75
Meanings: ஆவும் – and cows, ஆன் இயல் பார்ப்பன மாக்களும் – and Brahmins who have the nature of cows, பெண்டிரும் – and women, பிணி உடையீரும் – and those of you with diseases, பேணி – protecting, தென்புல வாழ்நர்க்கு – to those who live in the south, அருங்கடன் இறுக்கும் – performing final rites, பொன் போல் புதல்வர்ப் பெறாஅதீரும் – and those of you who have not given birth to gold-like sons (பெறாஅதீரும் – அளபெடை), எம் அம்பு கடி விடுதும் – we are going to shoot our arrows நெடியோன் – your ancestor Nediyōn, நன்னீர்ப் பஃறுளி மணலினும் பலவே – many more days than the number of sands on the banks of Pahruli river with good water (பலவே – ஏகாரம் அசைநிலை, an expletive)
To be continued…………….
Tags- Purananuru Wonders 5- Ancient Tamil Encyclopaedia Part 45 , Karikalan, Mudukudumi, Three Waters, war mongers, Arson attack, Kapilar
Pictures are taken from various sources for spreading knowledge.
this is a non- commercial blog. Thanks for your great pictures.
tamilandvedas.com, swamiindology.blogspot.com
xxxx
சிவபெருமானுடைய வடிவங்களில் வேறு சில மூர்த்திகளையும் காண்போம் :லிங்கோத்பவர் ஏகபாத மூர்த்தி , ஊர்த்வ தாண்டவர், கால சம்ஹார மூர்த்தி
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LINGODBHAVA
Lingodbhava is a familiar figure of Siva on the west wall of the central shrine of Siva temples in tamil Nadu. As his name implies, he is represented within a huge linga, the portion of the feet below the ankles being hidden in the linga. Brahma in the form of a swan is seen soaring up on the left side of Siva; while on the right side, Vishnu is delving below into the depths of the earth in the form of a boar.
The swan and the boar are in some pictures found to be half man and half animal.
On the east main gopura/ tower of the Chidambaram temple is an image of Lingodbhava surrounded by flames of fire.
Also these gods, i.e. Brahma and Vishnu stand on either side of Siva with folded hands.
The figure emanating from the middle of the linga has four hands and hold in its back arms the axe and the antelope and in the front hands, the Abhaya and Varada postures.
In Thanjavur inscriptions Lingodbhava is mentioned by the name Lingapuranadeva.
Story of Lingodbhava
A dispute arose between Brahma and Vishnu as to who is the greater of the two. Siva told them that whoever first saw the top or the bottom of his own fiery linga form and came back to report, he would be considered greater. Brahma soared on his swan to see the top of the Siva linga, while as a boar Vishnu dug down and down to see its bottom. Ages passed away and neither came to his goal.
At last Brahma saw one ketaki flower coming down; it had fallen from Siva’s head ages ago. Brahma suborned it to give false evidence and then came back and uttered a lie that he had seen the top of the linga, citing the ketaki flower as its witness. Sive knew the lie and cursed Brahma that he should thenceforward go without any worship in temples. Brahma had five heads at that time. Sive cut off the head that uttered a lie. The flower ketaki too, which abetted the crime, was excluded from the flowers dear to Siva.
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EKAPADAMURTI
Images called Ekapadamurti or Ekapada Trimurti show gods Brahma and Vishnu , with folded hands and characteristic symbols, are represented as proceeding out of the body of Siva at his waist as in the Tiruvotriyur sculpture or from behind his knee as in the image of Tiruvanaikkaval; they are either developments of Lingodbhava wherein the superiority of Siva over the two other members of the Hindu triad was established or an invention of the Hindu sculptor.
The Karanagama (kaarana aagama) mentions Ekapadamurti as one of the sportive forms of Siva and describes him as having one foot, three eyes and four arms in which are seen the tanka and deer and the Varada and Abhaya postures..
On the right and left sides of Siva, almost touching his shoulders, are Brahma and Vishnu holding their symbolical weapons in two hands and worshipping Siva with the other two.
The single foot, which is the characteristic feature of these figures , is in the case of Tiruvanaikkaval image , placed on the back of the bull. in it are also seen the vehicle of bBahma, the swan, at the right bottom and at the corresponding left bottom , the standing Garuda vehicle of Vishnu and a sage, perhaps Narada.
Apparently Ekapadamurti has to be connected with Aja Ekapad, a name given in the Rig Veda to one of the Ekadasa Rudras
Tamil version follows
To be continued……………………..
Tags- Hinduism through 500 Pictures in Tamil and English-33; படங்கள் மூலம் இந்து மதம் கற்போம்-33, Lingodbhava, Ekapadamurti
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Tamil and Vedas 