Kandadevi - The Forgotten Heritage

There are a lot of places in Tamil Nadu associated with the Ramayana. One such forgotten place in the Kandadevi. Kandadevi marks an important event in Ramayana - the kidnapping of Sita by Ravana.


Ravana kidnapped Sita and went on his way to Srilanka. Sita cried in distress for help but in vain. Jatayu saw Sita being kidnapped by Ravana and in distress. Jatayu ventured into the skies to save Sita and fought against Ravana, but during the fight Ravana cut its wings. Jatayu fell to the ground after valiantly fighting against Ravana. Jatayu was holding its life hoping Lord Rama would follow to get back Sita from Ravana. As Jatayu hoped, Lord Rama found Jatayu hurt fatally. Lord Rama knew that Jatayu was his father's long time friend and shed tears on finding Jatayu in its deathbed. 


Lord Rama narrated the incidents that happened and died in Lord Rama's hands. Lord Rama considered Jatayu as his father and performed the final rites for the dead Jatayu. Lord Rama in remembrance of Jatayu installed a shiva lingam and named it as Lord Siragilinathar, meaning the lord without feathers.


The place where Jatayu saw Sita being abducted is Kandadevi, actually Kandaen Devi, meaning the Seeing Sita. Kandaen Devi later got transformed to Kandadevi. There is a place nearby called Iragusari (meaning place where wings fell - Iragu: Wings, feather, Sari - Fall) where Jatayu fought and had his wings cut. Iragusari has now been transformed as Iravuseri.


The temple is now called Lord Swarnamoortheeshwarar Temple. The Goddess is Periyanayagi. The original name of the deity is Lord Siragilinathar, however there are some interesting legends that explain why the name got changed to Lord Swarnamoortheeshwarar.


First one is very interesting. The King who ruled that region wanted to renovate the temple, but his kingdom did not have enough money or gold to renovate the temple. So, he took two businessmen, who were brothers, with him to get enough money from acquaintances. When they were walking near this temple, all three of them stumbled and fell on the ground. The King immediately found it to be strange that all three have falled and ordered his men to dig the place where they fell. There he found lots of gold and precious gems. He realised it as a blessing of Lord Siragilinathar. With the treasure temple the King renovated this temple and named the deity as Lord Swarnamoortheeshwarar as the he was bestowed with gold treasure.


The next - Once there was a severe drought and no rains. All the people in the nearby village suffered and went on without food for many days. They prayed to this Lord to save their lives and it rained gold in that village. The village is named after this incident as Semponmaari - meaning (rain of gold). As a result the Lord who bestowed them prosperity was named Swarnamoorthy


The last one is, The Lord's name in Sanskrit was called as Swarnabarneshwarar (Swarna (Gold) + Barna (Wings, Feather) meaning the Lord with the golden feather, later got transformed as Swarnamoorthy.


Behind the temple, is a big tank called the Jatayu Theertham. The tank is so huge and covers a large area. It is said that the temple tank has never dried up even during drought or intense summer seasons.


Now let us view the pictures of the temple

The Rajagopuram to Lord Siragilinathar Temple, Kandadevi

The temple Mandapam

The Rajagopuram from within the temple

The temple mandapam

The temple mandapam of Annamalaiyar Shrine, Vinayagar Shrine.

The pillar in the mandapam carved out of a single stone

Sculpture in the pillar, so intricate and artistic

The 12 zodiac signs sculpted on the ceiling of the temple mandapam

Lord Dakshinamoorthy carved in one of the pillars

The intricate sculptures in one of the shrines in the temple

At the backside of the temple Prakaram

Temple Vimanam

The temple Prakaram

Lord Subramaniyar Shrine from behind

Temple Prakaram the northern side

Lord Subramaniyar Shrine

The Nagalingam Tree

Lord Karuppar statue carved in the temple walls

Lord Bhairavar Shrine, behind it is the shrine of Periyanayaki Amman

The temple prakaram and the Lord Subramaniyar Shrine

Intricate carvings in the walls of the Periyanayagi Amman Shrine

Close-up picture of the carvings

Much closer look at the carvings

Sculpture of a Peacock holding a snake in its beak

The temple entrance from inside the mandapam (Baby Priyanka and My Father in the picture)

Intricate art of sculpture in the temple entrance

Sculpture masterpiece at the temple entrance. Notice the small shaft connecting the two pillars

The shaft that connects the two pillars, the shaft and the stone it appears attached to is made out of a single stone!

The entrance to the temple that we visited

The temple Rajagopuram, another view

The outer walls of the temple

The temple car (Thaer - தேர்), which is at least a few hundred years old

Intricate carvings in the temple car

Another picture of the beautiful carvings in the temple car

The following pictures show the Jatayu Theertham, the temple's tank

Aerial view of the temple and Jatayu Theertham, just look at the scale of the tank. (Courtesy: Wikimapia.org)

Kandadevi is 2 km Devakottai. Devakottai is a town in Sivagangai district and is one of the oldest municipalities of Tamil Nadu. Renovation is being done in the temple, for further details about the temple timings etc., please contact Karthik Gurukkal - +91 94439 56357

Having so much of heritage to it, Kandadevi is really a forgotten place that needs to be revived and heralded of its glory it once had.


More to come, until then...

Venerated Villeeshwarar

Let's digress from Avvaiyar to visit the long forgotten Villeeshwarar Temple. The great kings and emperors who ruled the southern region of India built a lot of temples that were a hive of a lot of activities. They were such great visionaries to build some of the magnificent structures on earth. One such great emperor was Karikaala Peruvalathaan (Karikaalan). He was the one who built the Kallanai which is the oldest surviving dam in the world.

He has built a lot of temples across South India. More surprising information is that he has built 36 big temples in Kongu region (Coimbatore and the surrounding places) and 360 smaller temples. The famous Patteeshwarar temple at Perur was built by him.

One temple that was almost forgotten and nearly lost is the Villeeshwarar Temple at Idikarai. Idikarai is a small village near Coimbatore about 10 km towards Mettupalayam. This temple can be reached by via Thudiyalur, Sengalipalayam route towards Idikarai.

This temple is 29th of those 36 temples Karikaalan built. The temple was built by Karikaalan and later renovated by Vikrama Cholan during the 13th century. The sanctum sanctorum is Lord Shiva, the name Villeeshwarar is because this was once a land full of Vilvam trees. Even the temple's sacred tree is the Vilvam tree. The name Vilveshwarar got transformed to Villeeshwarar, likewise there is another story associated with the name for Lord Villeeshwarar. The tribe that used bows (Vill) worshipped this Lord and so the name Villeeshwarar stuck.  The main deity in the temple is Lord Villeeshwarar, the Goddess is Vedhanayagi, along with Lord Subramaniyar.

The Idikarai village has also such interesting legends about its name. People say that the name of the village is Irukarai meaning two banks of the river. There are small hills nearby call the Kurudimalai, Paalamalai, Ponn-oothu malai and water from these hills flow down as a small tributary of Noyyal that flowed in between this place forming two banks resulting in its name Irukarai, later transformed into Idikarai. There is even a song that describes this place 

குருடிமலை மிசை மீதிலே
பெருகியே வரும் பருகமா நதிக்கரையதனில்
வீற்றிருக்கும் இருகரை எனும்
துறையூர்ப் பெருமானே
 
Kurudimalai Misai Meedhilae
Perugiyae Varum Parugamaa Nadhikaraiyadhanil
Veetrirukkum Irukarai Enum
Thuraiyur Perumaanae
 
meaning, the Lord Shiva who resides in the Irukarai place that has a river that flows from the mountains of kurudimalai.

Now let's look at the pictures of this temple

The Lord Villeeshwarar Shrine

View of the temple corridor from near the Lord Villeshwarar Shrine

Exit to the corridor from  Lord Villeshwarar Shrine

The place where Lord Dakshinamoorthi's statue will be place

Lord Villeshwarar Shrine's Vimanam

These walls contain inscriptions

Another view of  the Lord Villeshwarar Shrine Vimanam

Shrine for Lord Vinayagar, yet to be completed

The Lord Villeshwarar Shrine Vimanam different views in the following pictures

Goddess Vedhanayagi Shrine

Goddess Vedhanayagi Shrine and Lord Subramaniyar Shrine

The Vilvam tree inside the temple

Temple Walls

Carvings at the entrance of Goddess Vedhanayagi Shrine

The Kodimaram made out of a single stone

Lord Vinayagar sculpture in the Kodimaram

Kodimaram - another view

Once upon a time, this place was a hive of activity. But later, it became a long forgotten place and the temple that Karikalan was left to ruins. Fortunately, the good hearts of people in an around this place contributed to the renovation of this temple. However, the renovation is still incomplete and requires a lot of help. This renovation effort is being headed by Mr. Rajagopalan, a retired manager from LMW. People who are interested in contributing to the renovation, may contact him directly on his phone number - +91 98942 43633

More to come, until then...

Austere Avvaiyar - Part 6

Avvaiyar's life history is associated with interesting incidents and events. One such popular event is the "Sutta Pazham Venduma, Sudatha Pazham Venduma.." between Avvaiyar and Lord Murugan and the subsequent dialogues and songs. This post is about that incidents and the songs associated with that incident.


One day Avvaiyar was very tired walking a long distance, came to rest under a Naaval Tree (Black/Java Plum). A boy who was herding cattle in that forest met Avvaiyar on his way. Seeing Avvaiyar tired and resting under the tree, wanted to help her. He went to her and asked if he wanted to put down the fruit from the tree. 


Avvaiyar said yes and the boy asked if she wanted "Suttam Pazhama, Sudatha Pazhama?" meaning the one that is roasted/burnt or hot or the one that is not. Avvaiyar thought that the kid was blabbering something as she considered him to be an illiterate, told him to put the "Sudatha Pazham" (Fruit that is not hot/roasted). 


The boy said ok and shook the tree's branch which fell the ripe fruits on the ground. Avvaiyar started picking those fruits and found sand sticking to the fruit. So, she started to blow away the sand in the fruit before eating it. That's when the boy exclaimed "Is the fruit, hot?". The gesture of blowing the sand in the fruit appeared as if the fruit was hot. It also meant, that the fruit that fell to the ground is heated up by the earth's heat and the one that is caught before it falls to the ground is not.


Avvaiyar had a realisation, she thought the boy to be an illiterate, but he has taught her a big lesson. Moreover, she had a momentary pride and neglect in her mind thinking that the boy is illiterate and she was knowledgeable. This incident made her realise that nobody should be neglected and she sang this song. 


கருங்காலிக் கட்டைக்கு நாணாக்கோ டாலி 
இருங்கதலித் தண்டுக்கு நாணும் பெருங்கானில் 
காரெருமை மேய்க்கின்ற காளைக்கு நான் தோற்றேன் 
ஈரிரவும் துஞ்சாதென் கண் 


Karungaali Kattaikku Naanaa Kodali
Irunkadhali Thundukku Naanum Perunkaanil
Kaarerumai Meikkindra Kaalaikku Naan Thotraen
Eeriravum Thunjaathen Kann


meaning, The axe that did not give in even for the hardest Karungaali Tree, gave in for the tender stem of the plaintain. I lost to the boy who herds cattle in the big forest, as a result my eyes will not sleep for two nights.


She also felt that this should be the act of the Divine and request the boy to reveal his true image. 


Then the boy revealed who he was and was Lord Murugan incarnate. Lord Murugan explained that He wanted to enjoy the Tamil eloquence of Avvaiyar and He had been playing around to hear the sweet Tamil from Avvaiyar. Avvaiyar was happy and worshipped Him.


He asked what is the most awful thing in the world


கொடியது கேட்கின் நெடியவெவ் வேலோய்
கொடிது கொடிது வறுமை கொடிது 
அதனினும் கொடிதே இளமையில் வறுமை 
அதனினும் கொடிதே ஆற்றொணாக் கொடுநோய்
அதனினும் கொடிதே அன்பிலா பெண்டிர் 
அதனினும் கொடிதே இன்புற அவள் கையில் உண்பது தானே 


Kodiyadhu Kaetkin Nediyavev Veloi
Kodithu Kodithu Varumai Kodithu
Adhaninum Kodithae Ilamayil Varumai
Adhaninum Kodithae Aatronaak Kodunoi
Adhaninum Kodithae Anbila Pendir
Adhaninum Kodithae Inbura Aval Kayil Unbadhu Thaanae


meaning, If You ask what is the most awful thing in the world, my Lord with the long spear (Vel)
Poverty is awful,
Even more awful is poverty during youth
Even more awful is incurable disease
Even more awful is women without kindness
The most awful to take the food served by her


Then He asked what is the most pleasantest thing in the world. Avvaiyar sang the following


இனியது கேட்கின் தனிநெடு வேலோய் 
இனிது இனிது ஏகாந்தம் இனிது 
அதனினும் இனிது ஆதியை தொழுதல் 
அதனினும் இனிது அறிவினர்ச் சேர்தல் 
அதனினும் இனிது அறிவுள்ளோரை
கனவினும் நனவினும் காண்பது தானே 


Iniyadhu Kaetkin Thaninedu Veloi
Inidhu Inidhu Ekantham Inidhu
Adhaninum Inidhu Aadhiyai Thozhuthal
Adhaninum Inidhu Arivinar Saerdhal
Adhaninum Inidhu Arivullorai
Kanavinum Nanavinum Kaanbadhu Thaanae


meaning, If You ask what is the pleasant thing in this world, my Lord with the unique spear (Vel)
Being independent and alone is pleasant
Even more pleasant is to worship the Supreme Being
Even more pleasant is to be in touch with the learned and knowledgeable
Even more pleasant is to see their presence in reality and in the dreams


Then Lord Murugan asked what is the most biggest thing in the world. And there came the next song


பெரியது கேட்கின் எரிதவழ் வேலோய் 
பெரியது பெரியது புவனம் பெரியது 
புவனமோ நான்முகன் படைப்பு 
நான்முகன் கரியமால் உந்தியில் வந்தோன் 
கரிய மாலோ அலைகடல் துயின்றோன் 
அலைகடல் குறுமுனி அங்கையில் அடக்கம்
குறுமுனியோ கலசத்திற் பிறந்தோன்
கலசமோ புவியிற் சிறுமண் 
புவியோ அரவினுக்கு ஒருதலை பாரம் 
அரவோ உமையவள் சிறுவிரல் மோதிரம் 
உமையோ இறைவன் பாகத்து ஒடுக்கம் 
இறைவரோ தொண்டர் உள்ளத்து ஒடுக்கம்
தொண்டர்தம் பெருமை சொல்லவும் பெரிதே


Periyadhu Kaetkin Yerithavazh Veloi
Periyadhu Periyadhu Bhuvanam Periyadhu
Bhuvanamo Naanmugan Padaippu
Naanmugan Kariyamaal Undhiyil Vandhon
Kariya Maalo Alaikadal Thuyindron
Alaikadal Kurumuni Angaiyil Adakkam
Kurumuniyo Kalasathir Pirandhon
Kalasamo Puviyir Sirumann
Puviyo Aravinukku Oruthalai Baaram
Aravo Umaiyaval Siruviral Modhiram
Umaiyo Iraivan Baagaththu Odukkam
Iraivaro Thondar Ullaththu Odukkam
Thondartham Perumai Sollavum Peridhae


meaning, if You ask me the biggest thing.


The world (landscape) is a big thing
The world is a creation of Lord Brahma
Lord Brahma came from the umbilical cord of Lord Vishnu
Lord Vishnu sleeps in the big ocean
The big ocean was contained within Agathiar's kamandalam (small vessel)
Agathiar was born in a small pot (Kalasam)
The pot is a small portion of this earth
The earth is a burden for one of the heads for the Aadhi Seshan - The snake with a thousand heads
The Aadhi Seshan is a ring in Goddess Parvathi's finger
Goddess Parvathi is a part of Lord Shiva
Lord Shiva is inside the hearts of his devotees
So praising the devotees of Lord Shiva is a big thing


Though the comparison Avvaiyar made might be logically questionable, but when we observe the beauty, the comparison goes on increasing in size until in gets into the small heart of the devotees


The last one asked by Lord Murugan was about the rarest thing. Avvaiyar responded with the song below


அரியது கேட்கின் வரிவடி வேலோய் 
மக்கள் யாக்கையிற் பிறத்தலும் அரிதே 
மக்கள் யாக்கையிற் பிறந்த காலையும் 
மூங்கையும் செவிடும் கூனும் குருடும்
பேடும் நீங்கிப் பிறத்தலும் அரிதே 
பேடு நீங்கி பிறந்த காலையும் 
ஞானமும் கல்வியும் நன்குறல் அரிதே 
ஞானமும் கல்வியும் நன்குறும் ஆயினும் 
தானமும் தவமும் தரித்தலும் அரிதே 
தானமும் தவமும் தரித்தார்க் கல்லது 
வானவர் நாடு வழி திறவாதே 


Ariyadhu Kaetkin Varivadi Veloi
Makkal Yaakkaiyir Piraththalum Aridhae
Makkal Yaakkaiyir Pirandha Kaalaiyum
Moongaiyum Sevidum Koonum Kurudum 
Paedum Neengip Piraththalum Aridhae
Paedu Neengi Pirandha Kaalayum
Gnanamum Kalviyum Nankural Aridhae
Gnanamum Kalviyum Nankurum Aayinum
Dhananum Dhavamum Thariththalum Aridhae
Dhananum Dhavamum Tharithaark Kalladhu
Vaanavar Naadu Vazhi Thiravaadhae


meaning, if You ask me what is the rarest thing, my Lord with the spear (Vel)
Being born as a human is rare
Even if born a human, it is rarer
To be born without being dumb, deaf, humpback, blind
Even if born without disabilities, it is rarer
To have knowledge and education
Even if one has good knowledge and education, it is rarer
To have benevolence and ethics
Without those benevolence and ethics
Heaven would not open its gates to give to people


That pleased Lord Murugan, Avvaiyar's eloquence and poetry made Him happy. He blessed her for her knowledge and literary eloquence and left.


Though these songs have been made popular through movies and music discs, some of them were modified to match the tune or situation. However the meaning conveyed is more or less similar. All these songs by Avvaiyar inculcate moral values and at the same time are also more captivating too.


More to come, until then...