Sivagangai - Temples
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Sivagangai - Temples
Sivaganga Adored by the sages of yore and celebrated by the great Saiva Saint, Manikkavasagar, in his poignant literary work, Thiruvasagam, stands the magnificent temple of Utharakosamangai. Situated at a distance of 15 km south west of Ramanathapuram (Ramnad railway station), the sacred shrine with imposing towers, dedicated of Lord Mangalanathaswami and goddess Mangalambikai, is significantly noted for its unique idol of Lord Nataraja made of maragatha.
The name Utharakosamangai is made up of three words Uthara, Kosa and Mangai. Lord Siva is believed to have expounded the secrets of the scriptures (Vedas) to His consort, Parvathi, at this holy place and the word Utharakosamangai, signifies it. It is said that long ago, a thousand ascetics assembled at this place and did penance. They prayed to Lord Siva to manifest Himself and bless them. The Lord assured them that he would respond to their desire in due course and hastened to Sri Lanka. He entrusted the responsibility of safeguarding the Veda Agama Sastras to one of the sages.
Mandodhari, wife of Ravana, noted for her virtue and chastity, undertook severe austerities and prayed to Lord Siva. The Lord appeared before her in the form of a baby. Fascinated by the beauty and charm of the child, King Ravana took it in his arms. At that very moment, a miracle occurred in Utharakosamangai. An enormous flame radiating divine light all round, emerged from the spring called Agni Theer tham. The 1000 sages realised that their prayed had been answered, and paid their homage to the Divine Flame. They were so enchanted by the heavenly radiance that they totally forgot themselves, plunged into the spring and vanished.
But the solitary sage who was vested with the task of protecting the Veda Agamas spared himself. Pleased with selfless devotion of the sages, Lord Siva appeared before them with his consort and transformed all the sages into 999 lingams. The Lord Himself took the cardinal place among them as a mighty Lingam. Then the Lords gaze turned towards the particular sage who had been in charge of the Veda Agamas. He showered His benediction on him and bade him be born as a Saiva saint, to serve Lord Siva and the Tamil Language. And Manikkavasaga was born. Greatly moved by the soulful outpourings of the celestial songs of the saint, G.U. Pope not only translate the great work, Thiruvasagam into English but also pronounced it as the very echo of Christs sermon on the Mount. The temple received benefaction from the hands of the Sethupathi Rulers of Ramanathapuram. Earlier, the Pandya kings had gifted lands to the temple. The Vijayanagara Kings too attended to the welfare and promotion of the temple.
The Utharakosamangai temple has two mighty Gopurams. The stucco-work of the temple towers are noted for their matchless beauty. In the front portion of Lord Natarajas shrine there are exquisite paintings of the late 18th century in Nayak style. The 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu are beautifully painted on the ceiling. There are also pictures of rasis and grahas and charming arrays of dancing damsels and musicians playing on different Musical instruments. The image of Maragatha Nataraja is always kept covered with sandal paste which is removed only once a year, on the day of Arudra Dharisanam. It is said that the radiance of the idol is too much for the common mans eye and hence it is always kept covered so. The images of Dakshinamurthy seated cross-legged, in a meditative pose is uncommon and is considered a rare piece of art. On the pillars too there are beautiful carving of Gods but unfortunately they have been eroded by the fury of time.
Kundrakudi Murugan Kovil
Arulthiru Shanmuganathan Holy Temple is situated at 10 Kms from Karaikudi, . Built around the year 1000 Lord Shanmuganathan is the presiding deity and the History is refereed to Mayuragiri Puranam. Marudhu Pandiyars Kings of Sivaganga renovated the Temple in thier days. Important festivals include Thaipusam in January, Panguni Uthram in March, Thirukarthikai in November, and Kandha Shasti in November prayers in temple bring relief from diseases and mental worries. The Devotees are blessed with good Children.
Pillayar Patti Lord Ganesh Temple
Pillaiyarpatti temple is a rock - cut temple located about 12 km's from Karaikudi on the Karaikudi Madurai road.It was built after hewing a hillock by the early Pandiya kings and the image of Karpaga Vinayaka and that of a Siva Linga were carved out of a stone by a sculptor called Ekkattur Koon Peruparanan who put his signature on a stone inscription found even today in the sanctum. He put his signature in Tamil Language which was in use between 2nd and 5th century AD. It can be concluded that the icon of Karpaga Vinayaka must have been carved around 4th century AD. This temple is 1,600 years old. The 14 stone inscriptions found in this temple, dated between 400 AD and 1238 AD reveal that the place was known as Ekkattur Thiruveengaikudi Maruthankudi Raja Narayanapuram before it came to be called Pillaiyarpatti.
Kandadevi Temple
The Village Kandadevi is situated 3 Km away from Devakottai Town. Here the Temple is called as Arulmigu Sowarna Moortheeswarar alias Siragilinather. The Amman is called as PeriyaNayaki Amman. This is 350 years old Temple. The Temple is maintained by Sivaganga Devasthanam, which is one amoung 84 Temples. The Temple is owned by the Sivagangai Raja legal heirs. Here Hanuman told to Rama as kanden deviyai. Hence this place is called as Kandadevi. The Aanni Urchavam is very famous festival for this temple, which is celebrated in every year, during the month of June by the people of 75 Villages
Thirukostiyur Temple
This is important of 108 Vaishnava temples. The Alwar Ramanujar has visited and prayed God Sri Vishnu. The God name is "Swamiya Narayana Perumal". The God is in five floors. This is famous South Thiruppathi. During every year, Masi Magam Teppamis celebrated here.
Thiruvenkadamudaiyan - ThenTirupathi
Dedicated to Lord Srinivasa Perumal, is a vast temple complex with a 100 year old history and referred to as "Then Tirupati" and "Arulmigu Ariyakkudi ThiruvenkadamudaiyanTemple". This temple was build by Nattukkotai Nagarathars. After 100 years, this shrine was renovated by the cost of Rs.10 million and Consecrated recently on 16th September 1999.
Sivagangai - Temples
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