Nakshatra/Birth Star : Revathi Nakshatra

Adidevatha / Adipathi of Nakshatra : Shani (Saturn)

Symbol : Fish or a pair of fish, drum
Deity : Pushan, nourisher, the protective deity
Shani resides in Dakshinamurthy.
People's whose Birth star sign is Revathi Nakshatra have to visit Gurumurthy Tem
ple - Omampuliyur in Tamil Nadu twice in an year or atleast once in an year. Sho
uld stay in the temple or premises for two and half hours. Visit the Temple in y
our Birth star or Nakshatra i.e visit the temple on Revathi Nakshatra
Gurumurthy Temple - Omampuliyur

The Gopuram of the Omampuliyur temple. THE GURUMURTHI kshetram in Omampuliyur ha

s special significance because at the Dakshinamurthi Mahamandapam here, He is se
ated between Lord Siva, Sri Pranavavyaghrapureeswarar and Parvathi, Goddess Push
pathalambigai. According to sthalapuranam, Goddess Pushpathalambigai prayed Lord
Siva to teach her Pranava Mantram. Siva assumed the form of Lord Dakshinamurti
and performed the upadesam of Pranava mantram to Goddess Parvathi. Lord Dakshina
murthi who, legend says, does the upadesam to His disciples silently through mud
ras, is said to have taught the same verbally for the first time to Goddess Push
pathalambigai at Omampuliyur. This enhances the significance of the place. And L
ord Dakshinamurthi is enshrined in a Mahamandapam, again a special feature. It i
s said that Vyaghrapada Rishi wished to see the Ananda Thandava dance of Lord Na
taraja. But the Lord directed him to go to Chidambaram where his desire would be
fulfilled. The idol of Lord Nataraja (in granite) worshipped by the saint can b
e seen here. The Moolavar of Lord Nataraja is in granite, found in few Siva temp
les. Hence the name Pranavavyaghrapureeswarar for the Lord. Omampuliyur is one o
f the five important Puliyur Siva kshetrams, visited by Vyaghrapada Rishi. The v
illage is also known as Pranavapuram.

Lord Dakshinamurthi The idol of Goddess Saraswathi here (very rarely seen in the
Siva temples) is said to have been worshipped by Goddess Parvathi before she co
mmenced her prayers. We also find here the idol of Gajalakshmi. Thus in Omampuli
yur temple, we find shrines for the three Goddesses, Parvathi, Lakshmi and Saras
wathi — a rare feature in Siva temples. A unique practice followed in the procedur
e of abhishekam draws one's attention. Generally in all Siva temples, the abhish
ekam, archana etc. are performed to the presiding deities, viz., Siva and Parvat
hi — followed by the pragara deities which may include Natarajar, Dakshinamurthi,
Subramaniar, Durga and Navagraha. But in this temple after performing the abhish
ekam, archana, etc., to Lord Pranavavyaghrapureeswarar, the scene shifts to the
shrine of Lord Dakshinamurthi (in the Mahamandapam) and then only to Goddess Pus
hpathalambigai. Here Lord Dakshinamurthi takes precedence as guru.

Goddess Saraswathi Among the navagrahas, only Sani and Sun are found. Another im
portant aspect of Omampuliyur is it is a "Peeda Parihara Kshetram" for those bor
n under the birth star Revati. Omampuliyur is on the northern bank of river Koll
idam (Uttara Cauvery) about 32 kilometres from Chidambaram, and 7 kilometres sou
th of Kattumannarkoil, well connected by bus service with Chennai, Cuddalore, Ch
idambaram, Mayiladuthurai, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur and other places. The temple is
believed to have been built about 1,300 years ago by the Chola kings and renova
ted by Pallava kings. Appar and Sambandar have sung in praise of the main deity
and His consort.
Location:
Omampuliyur village lies on the northern bank of Kollidam River (Uttara Cauvery)
 in Cuddalore District. It is about 32 km from Chidambaram and is 7 km south of
Kattumannarkoil.

Nakshatra/Birth Star : Bharani Nakshatra

Adidevatha / Adipathi of Nakshatra : Rahu (North lunar node)
Symbol : Yoni, the female organ of reproduction
Deity : Yama, god of death or Dharma
Rahu resides in Vadabhadra Kali.
People's whose Birth star sign is Bharani Nakshatra have to visit Vataaranyaeswa
rar Temple - Thiruvalangadu in Tamil Nadu twice in an year or atleast once in an
year. Should stay in the temple or premises for two and half hours. Visit the T
emple in your Birth star or Nakshatra i.e visit the temple in Bharani Nakshatra
Vataaranyaeswarar Temple - Thiruvalangadu

PARVATI: Known here as Vandarkuzhali.

Thiruvalangadu is one of the 5 Sabai’s where Lord Shiva has performed his cosmic d
ances.This place is called the Rathina Sabai (Gem Court).
The other Sabai’s are as follows:
Chidambaram ( Sky ) - Kanaga sabai
Thiruvalangadu ( Gems ) - Rathina sabai
Thirukkutralam ( Art ) - Chitra sabai
Thirunelveli ( Copper ) - Tamira sabai
Madurai ( Silver ) - Rajatha sabai
Kali Temple:
There is a Kali temple near by the tank and is slightly away from the main templ
e. Not sure for what reason, we were asked to visit the Kali temple first and th
en visit the main temple.
Kali here is in standing posture or rather dancing posture. Kali’s both the foot a
re kept apart such that the ankles face each other and the toes are on the oppos
ite direction. Both her knees are slightly bent and one can immediately identify
that this is the dancing position. Obviously dress on the Goddess will not allo
w you to have a good look at this posture so you are at the mercy of both Goddes
s and the priest in the temple. I was fortunate to have seen this posture.
History of the temple :
It was the time when both Lord Shiva and Kali had debate on who is the best danc
er. To conclude and make a decision a competition was arranged. This was witness
ed by all the God’s and Godess including sages.
The dance performance started and each had their turn to demonstrate their talen
t and non are less competent. During this period, Shiva’s ear ring falls down and
in order to avoid any hindrance to the performance he uses his right leg to pick
the ear ring wars it his ear.
Kali being women cannot raise her legs that high in front of crowd and thus gets
defeated. Hence she is in his temple in her dancing pose.
Main Temple:
Main temple is very large and very old. The entrance of the temple has all Shiva
postures in the Pancha Sabai with their names.
The lord here is known as Vataaranyaeswarar and Godess Vandaarkuzhali.
There is a story that Karaikal Ammaiyar got Mukthi in this place.
Karaikal Ammaiyar s Story:
Punithavathi was name to Karaikal Ammaiya in given by her parents. She was marri
ed to Paramadathan a business man in those days.
One day Paramadathan was given two mangoes by one of his visitors on business pu
rpose. He sent it to his home through his men which was received by his wife Pun
ithavathi.
During this time a Shiva devotee came to her house asking for bhiksha. She being
a Shiva devotee herself, arranged for lunch for the devotee. To compensate the
absence side dishes she also gives one of the mangoes sent by her husband. The d
evotee was happy with Punithavathi’s hospitality left with filled stomach and bles
sings.
Paramadathan came home for lunch and Punithavathi served him lunch with the rema
ining mango. The taste of the fruit made Paramdathan to ask. But she has already
given it to Shiva devotee. Not knowing what to do, she requests Lord Shiva for
the mango and lo, there it comes in her hands. She servers this mango to her lov
ing husband who immediately identifies that the mangos taste is far superior tha
n the previous one he had and wanted to know where she got this mango. Though sh
e was hesitant at first but later told him all the happenings.
Paramadathan, on hearing that abandons her as his wife as he felt is not eligibl
e to be her husband. Punithavathi then prayed God to have a skeletal body and pr
aise Lord till her life ends thus becoming Karaikal Ammaiyar.
Karaikal Ammaiyar visited Kailash the abode of Lord Shiva seeking moksha but he
was asked to wait at Thiruvalangadu.
Karailal Ammaiyar was given moksha at this place and she also got to see the cos
mic dance in Chittra Sabai – Gem Court.
How to get to this temple:
Thiruvalangadu is situated around 45 Kms from Chennai and is well nourished with
sub urban trains and busses travelling to Thiruvallur and Arakkonam.
This temple is open almost all day as there are increasing pilgrims to this plac
e.
Nakshatra/Birth Star : Swaati Nakshatra
Adidevatha / Adipathi of Nakshatra : Shani (Saturn)
Symbol : Shoot of plant, coral
Deity : Vayu, the Wind god
Shani resides in his own idol.
People s whose Birth star sign is Swaati Nakshatra have to visit Sri Akhilandesh
wari Jambukeshwarar - Thiruvanaikaval in Tamil Nadu twice in an year or atleast
once in an year. Should stay in the temple or premises for two and half hours. V
isit the Temple in your Birth star or Nakshatra i.e visit the temple on Swaati N
akshatra
Sri Akhilandeshwari Jambukeshwarar Temple- Thiruvanaikaval

Thiruvanaikoil is a beautiful small urban village at Tiruchirappalli district (

Trichy , Thiruchirapalli , Tiruchinopoly , Tiruchi ) in Tamil Nadu of Souther
n India. Thiruvanaikoil is also familiarly known as Tiruvanaikoil, Tiruvanaikava
l, Thiruvanaikaval, Thiruvanaika, Thiruanaikaa.
Thiruvanaikoil is around 3 Kms away from the heart of Trichy city and adjacent t
o Srirangam another small historic town and one of the holy places in India. Thi
ruvanaikoil and Srirangam are in the banks of river Cauvery. Literally these two
places form an island, surrounded by river Cauvery and river Coleroon.
This ancient temple dedicated to Shiva (Jambukeswara) and Parvati (Akhilandeswar
i) is one of the foremost Saivite shrines in Tamilnadu. This large temple celebr
ates Shiva as Jambukeswara, an embodiment of the element water and is often refe
rred to as Appustalam and is hence one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalams the other fo
ur being Tiruvannamalai (fire), Chidambaram (Space), Kanchipuram (Earth) and Kal
ahasti (Air) respectively.
The Sri Jambukeshwara Temple is dedicated to Lord Siva and has five concentric w
alls and seven gopurams. It is built around a Siva lingam partly submerged in wa
ter that comes from a spring in the sanctum sanctorum. Non-Hindus are not allowe
d inside the temple. The complex was built in the same time when Sri Ranganathas
wamy temple was also built.
The presiding deity is Lord Siva as Kalahasteeswarar. The Siva Linga here is one
of the five supreme Lingas representing the five elements (Panchabutha Lingams)
: water (appu), fire (tejas), air (vayu), ether (akash) and earth (prithivi). Th
e Linga form in Kalahasti is believed to represent vayu. Even today the flame pl
aced in Garbhagraha inside the temple flickers indicating the presence of the wi
nd while there is no entry of wind to disturb the flame. The air is just suffici
ent to breathe in. This according to a belief is the existence of Shiva in the t
emple.
According to the legend there was once a forest of jambu trees in the place of m
odern Tiruvanaikka. Nearby was a tank called Chandratheertha which was filled by
water from the river Cauvery. Lord shiva appeared as a Lingam under one of the
trees. The lingam came to be called the Jambulingam. Due to a curse, two of the
shiva ganas Pushpadanta and Malyava, were born in the forest as a white elephant
and as a spider. The elephant worshipped the Lingam with flowers and with water
brought in its trunk. The spider too worshipped the Lingam, spinning out a web
over the Lingam to prevent leaves of the tree from falling on it. The spider s w
eb appeared to be unclean for the elephant and it destroyed the web.
This lead to big clash between the two and ultimately resulted in their death. L
ord shiva granted Mokshaa (salvation) to both. The spider was born in a royal Ch
ola family as the great king Ko Chenkannan who built about 70 temples (Maadakovi
ls) including the temple of Jambukeswarar at Tiruvanaika. Because the king remem
bered about his earlier birth, he built the temples in a such way that no elepha
nt can enter the sanctum sancotrum and come near the Sivalingam.
The temple at Tiruvanaikaval is a big one covering an area of about 18 acres wit
h high walls and gopurams on all the 4 sides. The temple has 5 prakarams. The ma
in sanctum sancotrum (the 5th prakaram) can be reached by entering a series of G
opurams (Towers). The shrine for female deity Akilandeswari is situated in the 4
th prakaram.
Thiruvanaikaval is one of the very few temples where you can find a separate san
nadhi for Sanniswarar ( in Cave) which is between Akilandeshwari and Eshwaran .

Nakshatra/Birth Star : Anuradha Nakshatra

Adidevatha / Adipathi of Nakshatra : Ketu (south lunar node)
Symbol : Triumphal archway, lotus
Deity : Mitra, one of Adityas of friendship and partnership
Ketu resides in mookambika devi’s garland made out of bones
People s whose Birth star sign is Anuradha Nakshatra have to visit Mahalinga Swa
my Temple - Thiruvidaimarudur in Tamil Nadu twice in an year or atleast once in
an year. Should stay in the temple or premises for two and half hours. Visit the
Temple in your Birth star or Nakshatra i.e visit the temple on Anuradha Nakshat
ra
Mahalinga Swamy Temple - Thiruvidaimarudur

Thiruvidaimarudur Mahalinga Swamy Temple is one of the Panchakrosha Sthalas. The

Ammbal Shrine is one of the Sakthi Bheetas. Chakkara Maha Meru is installed her
e. Uma, Vinayaka Muruga, Thirumal, Lakshimi, Saraswati, (Deities), Vashista, Aga
sthya, Pattinathar, Badragiriyar, Romarishi, Kapila, Markandiya rishi, (Saints).
Sivavakiya (Siddhar) Varagunadeva, Sukeerthi, Veerasena, Chitrakeerthi, Uvanasu
van, Maandada, Vasuman., Anjatthuvasan (Kings), Nandagan (Brahmin), Vedas, Airaw
atha (Elephant vehicle of Indra) and others are bestowed with grace by the Lord.
The below saints were visited and praised the lord:
Appar
Sundarar
Manikkavasakar
Sambandar
Also Pattinathar and Karuvoor Thevar Sung Psalms about the Deity.
This place is named as Idaimarudur as it is in between Srisailam and Ambasamudra
m. It is also called Shanbagaranya, Saktipura, Tapovana, Muktipura etc. The pres
iding Deity is Mahalinga (Great Linga) because Siva worshipped Himself. Her cons
ort is Perunalamamulaiammai. She is Bruhatsundara Gujamabika. In her Shrine is a
cell facing north. This is the temple of Mookaambika (in North Indian style). T
he Goddess is in the pose of doing penance. She is mentioned as Pidari Parameesw
ari in inscripitions. There are many Lingas in the Shrine. Agasthiya Linga, Kasy
apa Linga, Chola Linga , Chera Linga, Sahasara Linga, Panchabhuta Linga, a clust
er of 27 Lingas behind Chokkanatha are some.
Brahmahathi Dosam:
Brahmahathi (Hathi- sin caused by a murder – Brahminicide) is found in the south w
all (south torana vayil) with head disheveled and face immersed betwixt the knee
s. Varaguna Pandiya’s horse accidentally crushed a Brahmin and killed him. The sin
followed wherever he went. The king came to this temple. The Brahmahathi could
not enter and waited outside. The king went out by another entrance. The Brahmah
athi is waiting outside still. The king was relieved of his melody. People infli
cted with mental disorders go round the circumambulatory path and get redress.
There are two Puranam
Sthala purana written by Sivakkolundu Deshika of Kottaiyar Marudavana Puranam. T
here is an Ula written by Mahavidvan Meenakshi Sundaram Pillai. The Thevaram, Th
iruvasagam, Thiruvidaimarudur Mummanikkovai, Thiruppazh, Thiruvidaimaurudur Path
irruppathanthathi, Thiruvidaimaurudur Kalambakam, Thiruvidaimarudur Nondi Nataka
m contain sufficient information about the temple. Kandapuranam, Lingapurana, Br
ahmavaivartham and Sivarahasya mention the glory of the Lord.
This temple is maintained by Thiruvavadudurai Adheenam. His Holiness Seervalarse
er Sivaprakasha Deshika Swamigal (23rd Gurumagasannidhanam), adorns the throne o
f the Adheena and doing all kinds of spiritual (Sivatthondu and Tamilthondu) and
social service.
Location:
Thiruvidaimarudur is located around 8 k.m north of Kumbakonam city on the road t
o Mayiladuthurai. All the buses pass via this route with a stop closer to the te
mple at Thiruvidaimarudur. The distance from Mayiladuthurai (Mayuram) is around
32 km. Autos / Taxies from Kumbakonam are available.
There is a small Railway station at Thiruvidaimarudur. Only the passenger trains
stop there. The nearest convenient railway station is located at Kumbakonam wit
h connectivity to Chennai (via Trichy), Thirunelveli (via Dindugal, Madurai), Co
imbatore (Satapthi), Mysore(Via Erode - Salem - Bangalore).

Nakshatra/Birth Star : Moola Nakshatra

Adidevatha / Adipathi of Nakshatra : Guru (Jupiter)
Symbol : Bunch of roots tied together, elephant goad
Deity : Nirrti, god of dissolution and destruction
Guru resides in his own idol Dakshinamurthy
People s whose Birth star sign is Moola Nakshatra have to visit Arulmigu Meenaks
hi Sundareswarar ThiruKovil - Madurai in Tamil Nadu twice in an year or atleast
once in an year. Should stay in the temple or premises for two and half hours. V
isit the Temple in your Birth star or Nakshatra i.e visit the temple on Moola Na
kshatra
Arulmigu Meenakshi Sundareswarar ThiruKovil - Madurai

The Meenakshi temple complex at Madurai is a city temple. It has eminent and exq
uisitely carved towers enveloping the temple, dedicated to Goddess Meenakashi in
Madurai. Considered as the south gateway, the Meenakshi temple consists of the
twin temples of God Shiva and Goddess Meenakshi, each one as high as about nine
storeys.
The exact time of temple s origin is not confirmed but the structures that are s
tanding today date mostly from the 12th to the 18th century. The present temple
standing today was built in the 17th century A.D. by th Nayak rulers. The temple
is superb example of sculpture and magnificent architecture.
The Meenakshi temple has majestic stonewalls and towers rising out of the swarmi
ng streets of the city center. The image of Goddess Meenakshi is said to be carv
ed out of a single emerald. This exotic temple was renovated by various kings, a
dding coiled corridors and larger-than-life sculptures. According to the legend
of this temple the marriage of the goddess Meenakshi to Shiva actually took plac
e in Madurai and is still celebrated every summer with great enthusiasm and gaie
ty.
¤ Special Features of the Temple
The Temple Towers or The Gopurams
The temple has 12 temple towers also known as the Gopurams. The outer towers of
the temple work as landmarks of Madurai.
Gopura
The Gopuras or the Pyramidal gates have an enormous height of more than 50m. The
entrance to the temple complex is indicated by towering gateways at the four ca
rdinal points, while lesser gopuras lead to the sanctums of the main deities.
Stucco Work
After every 12 years, the figures of deities on the tower are reconditioned, rep
ainted and ritually reconsecrated.
Ashta Shakthi Mandapam
To enter the temple through the eastern gateway, one has to first enter the Asta
Shakti Mandapam (Hall). Built by Thirumalai Nayakar s wives Rudrapathi Ammal an
d Tholimamai. Next to this hall is the Meenakshi Nayaka Mandapa, a spacious colu
mned hall used for shops and stores. This hall has a dedicated lamp-holder with
1,008 lamps, which are lit and decorated on festive occasions. The sculptures on
the pillars tell us about some of the miracles of Lord Shiva and also the story
of Meenakshi s birth and her life as the princess of Madurai.
Meenakshi Nayakkar Mandapam
Adjacent to the Ashta Shakthi Mandapam, this big hall consists of 110 pillars ca
rrying the figures of a queer animal with a lion s body and an elephant s head c
alled Yalli.
Potramaraikulam (Golden Lotus Tank)
The Potramaraikulam temple tank is an ancient tank where devotees take bath in t
he holy water. It is believed that the area around this tank was the meeting pla
ce of the TamilSangam - the ancient academy of poets. The tank is encircled by a
pillared corridor. There are steps that lead down to the tank, enabling worship
pers to take bathe in it.
Oonjal Mandapam
The Oonjal (swing) Mandapam and Killikoontu (parrot cage) Mandapam are situated
on the western side of the tank. The golden idols of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar
are seated on the swing in the Oonjal Madapam every Friday and hymns are sung a
s the deities swing to and fro. There many parrots in the Kilikoontu Mandapam wh
o have been trained to repeat Goddess Meenakshi s name. The 28 pillars of the Ma
ndapam are the most interesting parts, exhibiting some excellent Sculptures of f
igures from Hindu mythology.
Swami Sundareswarar Shrine
The Shrine of Lord Sundareswarar (Shiva) the consort of Goddess Meenakshi is to
the north of Kilikoontu Mandapam . There s a gigantic idol of Sri Ganesh called
Mukkurini Pillaiyar on the way. There s a stump of a Kadamba tree, in the outer
pragaram (corridor outside the main shrine), which is said to be a part of the s
ame tree under which Indra worshiped Shiva linga. There s also Kadambathadi Mand
apam in the outer corridor and big hall called Velli Ambalam . There s also an
idol of Nataraja (Shiva as the Lord of Dance), covered with silver leaves. Thus
this hall is named as Velli Ambalam (Silver Hall).
The Thousand Pillar Mandapam
The thousand pillar mandapam is regared as the wonder of the palace . There are
around 985 beautifully decorated columns. Each pillar is beautifully sculptured
and presents the glory of the Dravidan sculpture. This hall also houses a Templ
e Art Museum, where you can see icons, photographs, drawings, etc., exhibiting t
he 1200 years old history. Other than this mandapam there many smaller and bigge
r mandapams in the temple.
Vasantha Mandapam
Built by Thirumalai Nayakkar, the mandapam is the venue of the Vasanthosavam - t
he Spring festival, celebrated in Vaikasi (April/May). The pillars present at th
e mandapam has elaborate sculptures of Lord Shiva, Goddess Meenakshi. There are
scenes from their wedding as well as the figures of ten of the Nayak Kings and t
heir consorts. The Vasantha Mandapam is also called Pudhu Mandapam.
Swamy Sannidhi(sanctum sanctrom) - Dhakshinamoorthy,Lingothpavar,Durga Mandapams
:
On the walls of the sanctum sanctorum of the Lord are the Dhakshinamoorthy Manda
m with a pinnacle, the Lingothpavar mandapam has sculptures of Maal and Ayan una
ble to find the feet and crown of the Lord and the Durga mandapam.
There are 4 Dakshinamurthy idol’s in Meenakshi Amman temple the actual Dakshinamur
thy idol is in between Meenakshi amman and Sundareswarar murti.(there is also ka
lasarpa dosha details sculpted on the wall next to the idol)
Nakshatra/Birth Star : Poorvabhadrapada Nakshatra
Adidevatha / Adipathi of Nakshatra : Ketu (south lunar node)
Symbol : Swords or two front legs of funeral cot, man with two faces
Deity : Ajikapada, an ancient fire dragon
Ketu resides in Adisesha.
People s whose Birth star sign is Poorvabhadrapada Nakshatra have to visit Adise
sha Perumal Temple - Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu twice in an year or atleast once
in an year. Should stay in the temple or premises for two and half hours. Visit
the Temple in your Birth star or Nakshatra i.e visit the temple on Poorvabhadrap
ada Nakshatra
Kanchipuram is 75 kms away from Chennai.

Nakshatra/Birth Star : Sravana Nakshatra

Adidevatha / Adipathi of Nakshatra : Rahu (north lunar node)
Symbol : Ear or Three Footprints
Deity : Vishnu, preserver of universe
Rahu resides in Raja Kaliamman
People s whose Birth star sign is Sravana Nakshatra have to visit Sethupattu Raj
akaliammal - Chennai in Tamil Nadu twice in an year or atleast once in an year.
Should stay in the temple or premises for two and half hours. Visit the Temple i
n your Birth star or Nakshatra i.e visit the temple on Sravana Nakshatra
Nakshatra/Birth Star : Krittika Nakshatra
Adidevatha / Adipathi of Nakshatra : Rahu (North lunar node)
Symbol : Knife or spear
Deity : Agni, god of fire
Rahu resides in adisesha which is a huge 6-7 foot idol.
People s whose Birth star sign is Krittika Nakshatra have to visit Adisesha Peru
mal Temple, Nagore -- Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu twice in an year or atleast onc
e in an year. Should stay in the temple or premises for two and half hours. Visi
t the Temple in your Birth star or Nakshatra i.e visit the temple on Krittika Na
kshatra

Nagore is at a distance of 5 Kms. north of Nagappattinam,

House : Pisces ( Kumbha Rashi )

Lord of the House : Guru
Best Day to Visit the Temple : Thursday
People s whose star sign is Pisces ( Kumbha Rashi ) have to visit Vaitheeswaran
Temple in Tamil Nadu twice in an year or atleast once in an year. Should stay in
the temple or premises for two and half hours. Worship Lord Muruga (Muthukumara
swami)
Vaitheeswaran Temple - Chidambaram

Vaitheeswaran Koil is about 24 km from Chidambaram. Vaitheeswaran temple is know

n in Hindu scriptures as Pullirukkuvelur, (Pul - Irukku - Vel - Ur, the words in
Tamil meaning Bird (Jatayu), Rig Veda, Lord Murugan and Sun respectively) is on
e of the important Shiva temples in the South.
As we enter the town two tall Gopurams eastern and western Gopurams can be seen.
The south entrance is not so magnificent, which leads to the temple tank Siddam
rita Teertham, a very sacred pool. This picturesque pool is surrounded by a cove
red corridor with fine flight of steps to the water, which ripple around a water
pavilion in its midst. Its waters are said to contain medicinal properties and
peculiarity is that it harbours no fogs. People with various illnesses come here
to get cured and hence this place is called "Vaitheeswaran" - the one who cures
of illnesses.
Three important sanctums, one for Vaidyanada facing west and for Devi Thayalnaya
ki and Selva Muthukumaraswami facing south adorns the interior. In the north cor
ridor abutting the Shiva s sanctum is the shrine of Avudai Amman the Bhadrakali.
Another salient feature of the temple is the presence of Planet Angaraka (Tuesda
y) and Jvaraharesvara (Lord of fevers). Even for every fatal ill like Smallpox,
application of neem leaves is considered to be effective and this temples holy t
ree (Thalamaram) is neem, seen near the eastern Gopuram, with a sturdy trunk and
sprawling branches.
The sanctum of the Ishwara has a corridor around it, with the festival icons of
Adikara Nandi and Jatayu. The Navagraha images stationed in the east corridor ar
e devoid of Angaraka and Sun. The south corridor has the Jatayu Kunda, the place
where Rama performed the last rites to Jatayu, with images of Rama, Lakshamana,
Visvamithra, Vasista and Jatayu over that Kunda. Another unusual thing here is
the presence of Sattanada above Dakshinamurti.
Location:
Vaitheeswaran Koil is approximately 22 kilometers from Chidambaram, 110 kilomete
rs from Thanjavur and 16 km from Mayiladuthurai. There is also a train to Mayila
duthurai from Mysore (Mysore Express) via Bangalore, Salem, Erode, Trichy, Tanjo
re and Kumbakonam.

House : Scorpio ( Vrischika Rashi )

Lord of the House : Kuja
Best Day to Visit the Temple : Tuesday
People s whose star sign is Scorpio ( Vrischika Rashi ) have to visit Ekambaresw
arar Temple - Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu twice in an year or atleast once in an y
ear. Should stay in the temple or premises for two and half hours.
Ekambareswarar Temple - Kanchipuram

Ekambaranathar Temple is one of the oldest temples in the city. The architecture
of this temple is amazing. The gopuram of this temple stands as a massive landm
ark, spanning a height of 57 metres - one of the tallest in South India. The vas
t temple premises introduce you to many wonders, one after another.
The first is the "Aayiram Kaal Mandapam" or the hallway with a thousand pillars.
The next is the array of 1008 Siva Lingams that decorate the inner walls of the
temple. The most important, of course, is the "sthala-virutcham", a 3500 year o
ld mango tree whose branches give four different types of mangoes. This temple b
ears the work of practically every dynasty which ruled Kanchipuram.
This temple, unlike the Kailasanathar temple, lies right in the middle of the bu
siest intersection in the city and is filled with people almost all the time. It
is located diagonally opposite to the Sankara Mutt. It will be extremely crowde
d on Sivaraathri.
According to legend, this temple is located around the 3500 year old mango tree.
Hindu mythology says that Kamakshi Amman performed a penance here under the man
go tree to get married to Lord Shiva. In Sanskrit, "Eka" means One, and "Amaram"
means "Mango Tree". Hence, Ekambaram literally means "One Mango Tree".
Because of its age and vastness, not all places in the temple are accessible to
Tourists. Some places can be accessed with special permission.
Recently, this temple hit the news owing to the visit of Queen Elizabeth in Octo
ber 97, to see the 3500 year old mango tree and the weaving of Silk Sarees in ha
ndlooms. Silk Sarees of Kanchipuram have apparently been one the the Queen s fav
orites for a very long time.
Vinayagar, Murugan, Dakshina moorthy and Rahu Kala Kaliamman are other major god
and goddess placed along with the main idols in this temple
HISTORY OF THE TEMPLE: Goddess Parvathi in a playful mood closed the eyes of Lor
d Paramasivan. This created darkness in the whole universe. Every creature came
to an abrupt stop as they could not see.
Lord Shiva opened his third eye and gave light to the whole universe. To make he
r realise the folly of her action Lord Shiva renounced Goddess Parvathi. She the
n left her abode in Kailash and came down to Kancheepuram. She was pining to b
e reunited with her Lord. In order to atone for her sin, she moulded a Sivalinga
m out of sand and installed it under a mango tree on thd bank of River Kampa. Sh
e prayed to the Lord daily requestinf that she be forgiven and taken back. Lord
Shiva wanted to test her devotion and caused the river to swell. Parvathy fearin
g that hdr Sivalingam would be washed auay clasped it tn her bosom to ppotect it
. Lord Shiva waq pleased with her dediaation and devotion and took her back to h
er rightful place.

House : Sagittarius ( Dhanu Rashi )

Lord of the House : Guru
Best Day to Visit the Temple : Thursday
People s whose star sign is Sagittarius ( Dhanu Rashi ) have to visit Sri Mayura
nathar Temple - Mayiladuthurai in Tamil Nadu twice in an year or atleast once in
an year. Should stay in the temple or premises for two and half hours. Should W
orship, Lord Neeli Subramanya
Sri Mayuranathar Temple - Mayiladuthurai

The temple in this Sthalam is one among the six temples which are compared as eq
uivalent to the temple in Varanaasi. The other 5 shivasthalams are Tiruvenkaadu,
Chaayaavanam, Tiruvaiyaru, Tiruvanchiam and Tiruvidaimarudur.
The temple is a unique blend of fine sculpture and exquisite architecture; it is
designed with a beautiful tank and features several gopurams and mandapams. The
temple has a nine-tiered 165 ft high Rajagopuram with 5 prakarams. There are 14
vimanas with numerous stucco images.
The sculptures of Lord Ganesh, Nataraja, Dakshinamurthy, Shiva-Uma-Alinganamurti
, Lingodbhavar, Brahma, Ganga Visarjanamurti, Durga and Bhikshatanar from the pe
riod of Sembiyan Mahadevi (10th century) have been well preserved in the niches.
Inscriptions from the Imperial Chola period can be found in the temple.
Brahmotsavam is celebrated in the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May-June).
Tula Utsavam, celebrated here, attracts thousands of devotees from far and near.
Brahmotsavam, celebrated here in the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May-June), is anot
her major draw.
Description : This is a vast and well maintained temple with a beautiful tank, s
everal gopurams and mandapams in the town of Mayiladuturai (Mayuram). This is a
temple of great religious significance, and is a hub in the temple belt of Tamil
nadu. Several Shivastalams are located in the vicinity of Mayiladuturai.Legend h
as it that Dakshayani (Parvati) took the form of a peacock after her father’s Daks
ha Yagnam, worshipped Shiva here; Shiva is said to have taken a peacock form, pe
rformed the Gowri Tandavam and united with her here. Mayuranathar is believed to
have quelled the Kaveri floods to make way for Sambandar and 4 of the Vallalar
shrines in the vicinity are said to be manifestations of Mayuranathar. Interesti
ngly, the Tiruppariyalur Veerattam where the Dakshayagnam is believed to have be
en performed, is located at a distance from 8 km from this temple. Mayiladuturai
is in the midst of several shrines with puranic significance. The Sapta Matas a
re said to have worshipped Shiva at 7 of the temples in the vicinity including V
allalaar Kovil. Dakshinamurthy’s shrine in the nearby Vallalaar (Gurumoorthy – Vadha
anyeswarar) Koyil is of great significance. On the banks of the Kaveri, near the
bathing ghats is the Kasi Viswanathar temple with vimanams along the lines of t
hose at Benares.
This temple spread over 350000 sq feet has 5 prakarams, a 9 tiered 165 feet high
Raja Gopuram, pillared halls with interesting sculptural work as well as 14 vim
anams withseveral stucco images. Inscriptions from the Imperial Chola period are
found here. The temple is managed by the Tiruvavaduturai Adhinam, while the Val
lalar Koyil and Kaasi Viswanathar temple are managed by the Dharumapura Adhinam.
This temple was reconstructed with stone, during the period of Sembiyan Mahadevi
(10th century); however renovations from the 19th century have destroyed the ol
der structures and the inscriptions. Thankfully fine stone sculptures of Vinayak
ar, Natarajar, Siva-Uma-Alinganamurthy, Dakshimamurthy, Lingodbhavar, Bhrama, Ga
nga Visarjanamurthi, Durga and Bhikshatanar from the period of Sembiyan Mahadevi
have been well preserved in their niches. From available inscriptions it is inf
erred that the Avayambal shrine came into existence during the period of Rajaraj
a Chola III (13th century). Till then, there must only have been a Bhogasakthi b
ronze image in the sanctum of Mayuranathar, as was the practice till separate Am
bal shrines were introduced during the reign of Kulottunga Chola I (1075-1120).
Festivals: Thousands of pilgrims converge here during the Thulaa (Libra) festiva
l. A noteworthy feature of the Mayuranathar temple is the daily processional rit
ual to the banks of the Kaveri throughout the monsoon month of Libra. Shiva’s danc
e is enacted at the Aadi Sabhai on the 7th day of the grand festival in the mont
h of Libra. The annual festival Bhrammotsavam is observed in the Tamil month of
Vaikasi.
How to reach
This sivasthalam temple is located at Mayiladuturai, also known as Mayavaram and
Mayooram. One of the 108 Divya Desam shrines of Lord Vishnu is also located in
Mayiladuthurai and is more popularly known as TiruIndalur Parimala Ranganathan t
emple.