Indian Columbus

Nestled at a distance of approximately 16 kilometers from Trichy city within the Tamil Nadu state of India lies the quaint village of Allur. Positioned along the Trichy-Karur route, its notable neighboring localities include Andanallur and Tiruchenthurai. Amidst this setting, a modest yet enchanting Vishnu temple graces the village, inviting our exploration in this article. While Allur boasts two grand Shiva temples, the focus of this discourse shifts toward a lesser-known gem within the same village. At the heart of the village stands the Kalyana Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal temple, nestled within the Agraharam. This Agraharam remains a haven of unspoiled beauty, a rarity in modern times. The transformative tide has altered many an Agraharam, rendering original charm scarce. In Allur, however, the genuine allure of the Agraharam remains intact—lined by rows of small, independent houses that grace either side of the streets. Many of these dwellings feature the iconic "thinnai,&q

Andanallur, a quaint village, is situated approximately 20 kilometers away from the city of Trichy in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Nestled along the Trichy-Karur route, this village's closest prominent area is Tiruchenthurai. At the heart of Andanallur lies the Vada Teerthanathar temple, an ancient shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva from the Chola period, specifically known as the Vada Teertheswarar temple. This article will delve into the intriguing details of this temple. Highlights: God  -  Vada Teerthanathar a.k.a. Vada Teertheswarar a.k.a. Alanthurai Mahadevar Goddess  -  Bala Soundara Nayaki a.k.a. Bala Sundari Sthala Vruksha (holy tree) - Banyan It is a Devara Vaippu Sthalam History: Originally named Andavanallur, historical records indicate that the primary deity was called Alanthurai Mahadevar. This points to the village's former name as Alanthurai. The temple's construction can be attributed to Parantaka Chola I. Subsequent renovations a

Nangavaram, a village situated approximately 30 kilometers away from the city of Trichy in the Tamil Nadu state of India, boasts an ancient temple from the Chola period dedicated to Lord Shiva, known as the Sundareshwarar temple. This article delves into the intricacies of this revered temple. Highlights: God  -  Sundareshwarar Goddess  -  Komalavalli The Samadhi of Akhandeswara . Legend: According to legend, a Chola King brought a Shiva Linga from Kasi (Varanasi) and enshrined it in this village, giving rise to the creation of this temple. Akhandeswara, a sage from Kasi, concluded his penance but lost access to the Shiva Linga he had been devotedly worshiping. Through his spiritual insight, the sage discovered the location of his revered deity and embarked on a journey southward. Arriving at the village, he encountered closed temple doors. He leapt over the temple walls, landing in an area filled with mud. Unfortunately, his feet became ensnared in quicksa

Nangavaram, situated roughly 30 kilometers away from Trichy city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, harbors an ancient Chola-era temple dedicated to Pidari Amman. This article will delve into the intricacies of this temple. In the Tamil Nadu region, numerous Grama devta (village deity) temples are titled "Pidari temple." However, these temples commonly feature Sapta Matas (Seven Mothers) within their sanctums. Likewise, within this temple's sanctum, Sapta Matas, along with Ganesha and Ayyanar, are enshrined. Among the seven Matas, the central one is known as Pidari, and within this temple, she is referred to as Pidari Satthayi. Revered within this region, this temple holds significance for many villages, considering Pidari Satthayi as their Kula devta (family deity). The sanctum itself stands as a testament to its ancient origins, tracing back to the Chola period. Intriguingly, the sanctum lacks any niche images. While the Vimana (tower) bears signs of renovation and

Pettavaithalai, a quaint town nestled approximately 33 kilometers away from Trichy city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, presents itself as a hidden gem. Positioned between Trichy and Karur, it's easily accessible from both cities. This town holds within it an age-old temple devoted to Lord Shiva, known as Madhyarjuneshwar. This temple, originating from the Chola era, boasts captivating architecture adorned with intricate sculptures. Regrettably, it remains relatively obscure, an aspect we'll delve into within this discourse. Highlights: God  -  Madhyarjuneshwar  Goddess  -  Balambika The sculpture of Brahma hatya. The Jeeva Samadhi of a Siddha. Dakshinamurti in Abhaya Mudra. Legend: Legend has it that Pottralam Poovai Siddhar attained Jeeva Samadhi within the temple precincts. This Siddha specialized in crafting herbs and remedies for women-centric ailments. Historically, the temple was built by Kulotunga Chola III. As per the legend, he got Brah

Nagar isn't just a Nagar (city); it's a quaint village that bears the same name. :-) This lesser-known village, situated approximately 7 kilometers away from Lalgudi town in Tamil Nadu, India, holds historical significance. Nestled within its boundaries is an ancient temple dating back to the Chola period, dedicated to Lord Shiva and known as Apradeeswarar. Unfortunately, despite its beauty and historical value, this temple remains relatively obscure. In this article, we'll delve into the details of this remarkable temple. Highlights: God  -  Apradeeswarar Goddess  -  Atula Sundari a.k.a. Oppilla Mani Amman Teerth  (Holy water) - Panguni river Sthala Vruksha  (Holy tree) -  Bilva Regrettably, I couldn't gather information about the temple's associated legend. My apologies for the subpar quality of the photographs; they were taken during my evening visit to the temple. Based on its architectural style and stone inscriptions, this temple can b

Tirumangalam, a quaint village nestled about 4 kilometers away from Lalgudi town in the Tamil Nadu state of India, holds within its bounds an ancient temple devoted to Lord Shiva. This sacred abode, known as Sama Vedeeswarar, hails from the Chola period and boasts of mesmerizing architecture and a plethora of intricate sculptures. Despite its remarkable attributes, the temple sadly remains in the shadows of obscurity. In this discourse, we shall delve into the enigmatic realms of this temple, unraveling its distinctive features. Highlights: God  -  Sama Vedeeswarar  Goddess  - Loka Nayaki Teerth  (Holy water) -  Gaya Phalguni or Parasurama Teerth Sthala Vruksha  (Holy tree) -  Jack  The birth place as well as the Mukti Sthalam of Anaya Nayanar . Unique sculpture of Shanmukha with four arms . Unique sculptures of Valli seated on peacock, whereas her co-wife Devaseana in the standing posture. Dakshinamurti with Abhaya mudra. Kala Bhairava and Swarna Bhairava are fou