Swetharanyeswarar Temple / Mercury God / Budhan Temple - Thiruvenkaadu

Main Deity : Swetaranyeswarar

Goddess : Bhrama Vidya Nayaki
Holy Tree : Alamaram
Holy Water : Surya Theertham
Color : Green

Gem Stone : Emerald

Mercury is the planet for education.Its position should be good in one's astrological chart to get basic education to specialized one.A special temple called Swetharanyeswarar Temple in Thiruvenkadu in Nagapattinam district is having separate temple for navagraga Mercury.

Thiruvenkadu, one of the navagraha sthalams, is the Budhan sthalam dedicated to Planet Mercury. Thiruvenkadu’s Sanskrit name is Shwetaranya and both literally mean – sacred white forest. This is also called Adhi Chidambaram and the Chidambara Rahasyam is also here. As seen in Chidambaram, Vishnu is near Nataraja. Special worship services are offered to Natarajar and the associated Spatikalingam, as in Chidambaram.

The Lord is Shwetaranyeswarar and His consort is Brahma Vidyambal. Indran, Airvatam, Budhan, Suryan and Chandran are said to have worshipped Shiva here. Thiruvenkadu is one of the six places considered to be equivalent to Kasi. The other five are Rameswaram, Srivanchiyam, Gaya, Thiriveni Sangamam & Thilatharpanapuri..This is one among the 51 shakthi peedams. This place is also called aathi chidambaram.For good education one has to worship Bramma Vidyambigai Amman.

It is situated 15 kilometers away from Vaitheeswaran Koil, on the Sirkali – Poompuhar road. Here the Lord is Shwetaranyeswarar and His consort is Brahma Vidyambal.  Indran, Airavatam, Budhan, Suryan and Chandran are said to have worshipped Shiva here. Thiruvenkadu is one of the six places considered to be equivalent to Kasi.  The other five are  Rameswaram, Srivanchiyam, Gaya, Thiriveni Sangamam & Thilatharpanapuri..This is one among  the 51 shakthi peedams. This place is also called aathi chidambaram.For good education one has to worship Bramma Vidyambigai Amman.  

The Soma Theertham and The Surya Theertham created by the Sun and the Moon are of great significance here. It is believed that the Soma Kundam and Surya Kundam referred to in Silappathihaaram refer to these tanks. Vilvam and Konrai are the other Sthala vrikshams here.

Swetharanyeswarar Temple enshrines a separate sanctum sanctorum for Bhudhan or Bhudan, one the nine Navagrahas and the bestower of wisdom and wealth. For good children one has to worship mercury after taking bath in place called chandra pushkarani related to mercury's father navagraga moon.By worshiping navagraga mercury one can excel in subjects like astrology, music,maths,medicine, reading and writing in multiple languages.

Amman here is called Brammavithyanayagi. Rudra patham called rudra gaya is under vadaval aala virutcham in this temple. This is said to be removing pithru dosha of 21 generations. Nerve related problems are solved.Speech will be improved.This temple is said to be more than 2000 years old.

Marutwasura, an asura, was troubling the Rishis and the people of Thiruvenkadu. The people prayed to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva sent Nandi (Bull) – his vahana, to fight the demon. Marutwasura was defeated by Nandi and thrown into the sea. Marutwasura through his penance obtained sula – from Lord Shiva. The demon then returned with greater intensity to attack the innocent people. Once again, at the request of the devotees, Shiva sent Nandi. However, on this occasion, Nandi could not fight the demon as the demon had the Sula of Shiva. The demon caused wounds on Nandi’s back with the Sula. The idol of Nandi which bears scars on its body is seen here.

An angry Shiva opened his Third Eye and killed the demon. The idol of Aghoramurthy, a manifestation of Shiva’s anger, is installed in Thiruvenkadu. Worshiping Aghoramurthy, especially on Sunday nights is considered important and special.

There is also another story of Swetaketu associated with Thiruvenkadu. Swetaketu’s story is similar to that of Markendaiyan. Swetaketu was destined to die at the end of his eight year but the Lord prevented Yama from taking His devotee’s life.

Lord Shiva is known to have performed his seven forms of dance or Tandavam viz Ananda tandavam, Sandhya tandavam, Samhara tandavam, Tripuranta tandavam, Urdhva tandavam, Bhujanga tandavam and Lalita tandavam here. The three holy tanks here, known as Agni Theertham, Surya Theertham and Chandra Theertham are believed to have been created out of the three drops which fell from Lord Shiva’s eyes when he was dancing. Another rare feature is that the deity is present here with five faces viz Easanam, Tatpurusham, Aghoram, Vamadevam and Sadyojatam. They represent direction and an aspect of Lord Shiva. Easanam is facing the sky and represents purity, Vamdevam faces north and represents sustenance, Tatpurisha faces east and represents spirituality that has destroyed the ego, Aghoram faces south and represents the destructive and regenerative aspect of Shiva, Sadyojatam faces west and represents creation

Thiruvengadu has the pride of being sung by the Great Four, Thirugnanasambandar, Thirunavukkarasar, Sundarar and Manickavasagar. It is in Thiruvengadu Pattinathar had Sivadiksha.

Deities :
Swadharanyeswarar, Nataraja, Agoramurthy, Brahmavidyambal, Swetha Mahakali and Maha Durga. Of the 64 Murthas of Lord Shiva, the Agoramurthy form is here. Vishnu has a place near the Nataraja here as in Chidambaram. Indira, Iravadha (the white elephant) Vishnu, Sun, Moon, Agni (fire) worshipped the Lord. The presiding deity is Swedharanyeshwarar and his consort is Brahmavidya nayaki. The Lord Bhuda faces North East direction. A temple for Chandra (moon) the father of Mercury is just opposite to the Bhuda Shrine.

Pooja:
The native of a horoscope may suffer from lack of progeny, nervous problems and may not do well in academics and other arts, if Budhan is unfavourably placed. Worshiping Budhan on Wednesdays here will alleviate the problems occurring out of Budhan dosham. Malefic effect of Budhan can cause problems related to respiration like asthma and bronchitis, speech impediments and nervous disorders. Budhan is considered as the wisest of all the planets. Budhan is associated with intellect and knowledge; hence those who are not doing well in studies should worship Budhan here. Budhan blesses one with good education, knowledge, eloquence, music, astrology, mathematics, sculpture, medicine, scholarship in languages. Offer Green cloth & Full Green Moong Daal (pachchai paruppu) to Budhan here.

Temple Timings:
The temple is opened from 6 AM to 12.00 PM and 4 PM to 9 PM

How to reach Swetharanyeswarar Temple at Thiruvenkadu:
Swetharanyeswarar Temple is situated 23 kilometers away from Mayiladuthurai, on the Sirkali – Poompuhar linking road. The temple is 10 km from Sirkazhi and 59 km from Kumbakonam.

Keezhperumpallam Temple / Sri Naganatha Swamy Temple / Kethu Temple

Main Deity : Naganatha Swamy
Goddess : Sowndhara Nayagi
Holy Tree : Bamboo
Holy Water : Naga Theertham
Color : Smoky
Gem Stone : Cat's Eye



The Kethu Naganathaswamy Temple or Kethu Navagraha Temple is one of the 9 Navagraha Temples in Tamil Nadu, located at Keezhperumpallam (Kizhaperumpallam), near Tarangampadi in Nagapattinam District. This renowned Kethu Sthalam is one of the most important Kethu Temples in Tamilnadu as well as in India. The temple presiding deities are Lord Naganathaswamy and his consort Soundaryanaki. It is said that Kethu prayed to Lord Shiva to get rid of his sins. It is rare to find Ketu Bhagvan enshrined with head of a snake and body of an asura, which you can see here. In this Kethu temple, Lord Kethu faces west in the north praharam. Lord Ketu appears with the body in divine form, his head as a five-headed snake and the folded hands worshipping Lord Shiva.

Temple History:

Keezhperumpallam is also called Vanagiri. The planets Kethu and Rahu, known as ‘Chaaya Grahangal’, are associated with the legend of the churning of the milky ocean. When the Devas and Asuras churned the ocean of milk with the Manthira Mountain as the churning stick and snake Vasuki as the rope, the amirtham emerged. This was consumed by an asura, who disguised himself as a Deva. Knowing this, Lord Narayana hit the asura on the head with the spoon in his hand. The head was cut off and fell on the ground. As the asura had consumed amirtham, his head and body continued to live. The head portion of the asura attached itself to a snake body and became Rahu Bhagavan. The body portion that was thrown away fell in Pothigai mountain region which was found and preserved by a Brahmin. The head of a snake got attached to the asura body to become Kethu.

This is an ancient Saivite shrine where legend has it thatKethu, one of the 9 celestial bodies central to astrological beliefs worshipped Shiva.

Rahu and Ketu are associated with the legend of the churning of the milky ocean.There is a shrine dedicated to Kethu in this temple where worship services are offered

Temple Timings:
Kethu Naganathaswamy Temple opens daily from 6 AM to 12.00 PM and 4 PM to 7 PM.

How to reach Kethu Navagraha Shrine at Keezhperumpallam:

The Kethu Temple at Keezhperumpallam is located around 63 km from Kumbakonam. It can also be reached via the Sirkali (Sirkazhi) - Poompuhar Road.

Pullirukkuvelur Temple / Vaitheeswaran Koil

Location: Vaideeswaran Kovil / Pullirukkuvelur Kovil near Sirkazhi.(Chola Naadu -North of Kaveri)
Shiva: Vaidyanathar
Ambal: Thaiyal Nayaki, Balambika
Vriksham: Veppa Maram
Theertham: Sidhamrita Theertham
Patikam : Sambandar, Appar

Vaitheeswaran Koil or Pullirukkuvelur Temple is one of the nine Navagraha Temples in Tamil Nadu and is the Navagraha Stalam associated to Angaraka or Sevvai or Kuja (Planet Mars). Located near Sirkazhi, the shrine is about 24 km from Chidambaram.

Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Vaitheeswaran, which literally means the 'Lord Doctor' who can cure all diseases. Thaiyalnaayaki is seen carrying the "Sanjeevi Thailam", the medicinal oil for all illness.

This shrine is known under several names like lalayapuri, Vedapuri, Panarapuri, Pathiripuri, Angarakapuram and Ambikapuram. But Vaitheeswaran Koil is the popular name as it is said that God came as a Vaidya and cured Angaraka of his leprosy.

The beautiful temple is enclosed within tall granite walls and is in the centre of the town. In the east and western sides of the temple, there are big majestic towers and there is one small tower on the rear side of the temple. There are two big corridors and separate inner corridors for the temple of God and Goddess. The Deity enshrined here is known as Vaidyanatha Eswarar and Goddess is Tayyalnayaki Devi. There are many minor deities along the corridors of the temple. As you enter from the western entrance you see two Dhwajastambha (pillars), one of gold and the other of silver, and east of the western outer corridor there is the deity Kumara Guruparaswami and in the northern corridor Selvamuttukumaraswami is enshrined in a small temple adorned with a small tower.

The Sthala vriksha, the sacred Neem (Margosa) tree, is in the eastern outer corridor. The important Teertham known as Siddhamurta Teertham is a big tank lying south of the temple of the Goddess in the southern corridor. There are several deities like Sri Nataraja, Sivakami, Durga, Sun, Angaraka, Sapta Kannikas, 63 Nayanmars, etc., in the southern corridor. There is also another Teertham known as Jatayu Kunda near-by where it is believed that Rama and Lakshmana cremated Jatayu. There are images of Rama, Lakshmana, and Vishwamitra. Vasishtha and Jatayu near the Kunda. Singaravelar, Ayyanar, Mariamman, Draupadi, Bhikshatanar and Angaraka are the other Deities enshrined near-by.

Muruga enshrined here is known as Selvamuttukumaraswami. All the Navagrahas are also here and among them Angaraka is worshipped with great reverence and thus this shrine is also known as Angaraka Kshetra.

• It was here that God Muruga obtained the trident Jatayu. At the dying request of Jatayu, Sri Rama brought his remains here and cremated them.



• As King Veera Serva was listening to Siva Puranam he escaped being attacked by tuberculosis, but his son got this disease. This son Chitrasena came to this Kunda under the instructions of his guru and offered Puja to this Kunda and wore the sacred ash available here. Immediately he was relieved of his illness as many others are, who come nowadays with similar complaints.



• Tiru Chandu Pills. This is purported to be the medicine, which Vaidyanatha gave to Angaraka to cure his illness. Pilgrims who come here to get their illness cured take this medicine after observing the following directions.

They are first required to take bath in the Angasanatana Teertham on an auspicious day during the Sukla Paksha, get the Mrittika (mud) in a new pot to the temple, mix it with sacred ash and a few drops of water from Siddhamurta Teertham. They should grind this into a paste and offer it in prayer to the Goddess and take it in with a little water from the Teertham, whereby they will be relieved of any sort of illness. After the abhishekam, the feet of Lord Subrahmanya are covered with sandal paste mixed with saffron powder in equal weight and devotees receive it as prasad. 'The traditional belief that the birds Jatayu and Sampati, the Rigveda, Lord Subrahmanya and the Sun all offered worship to Siva here is strengthened by the reference to the place in Thevaram as Pull Iruku Vel Ur (Pull means birds; Iruku is the Rigveda; Vel stands for Subrahmanya; Ur, the Sun).

Siddhamurta Teertham. This is the most important Teertham of all, and is situated in front of the Goddess' temple. It - is also known as Goksheera Teertham. As Kamadhenu in Krita Yuga bathed the deity here with her milk which flowed into this Teertham; Ikshusara Teertham as it tasted like cane juice; Jatayu Teertham as Jatayu bathed here in Dwapara Yuga. It is here that a Brahmin called Sundara got rid of his white leprosy and Angaraka of his red leprosy.

Moreover it was with this Teertham that Daksha had his head and body joined together after Siva punished him for his disrespect. A Muni called Sadamantha was in puja near the tank after bathing therein, when a frog chased by a snake from the tank jumped on to him. Disturbed, he pronounced that there should be no snake or frog in this tank. Accordingly even to this day, no frog or snake can be seen in this tank.

Kodanda Teertham is in the southwestern corner of the temple and a deity of Sri Rama is enshrined here. It is also here that Triseelam was cured of his neck trouble by bathing.

When Sri Rama was living in the forest with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, they came here and offered prayers to their ancestors. Hence this Teertham is known as Rama Teertham. The Sthalavriksha is the Vanni tree.

There are a few stone inscriptions of note in this temple and eight of such inscriptions relate to the period of the later Chola kings of Tanjore and the early Maharatta kings.Tirujnana Sambandar, Tirunavukkarasu, Arunagirinathar, Vaduganta Desikar, Sivajnana Desikar, Kumaraguruparaswami, Padikkasu. Tambiran, Chidambara Muni, etc., are the well-known saints who visited and sang in praise of this shrine in the past.

Poojas: The Chevvai dosham (malefic effect) caused by unfavourable position of Angarakan or Chevvai in the horoscope may manifest as aggressiveness, tendency to get into unnecessary arguments or jealousy in the native. It can also result in loss of money, physical injury or even imprisonment. Chevvai dosham is rectified by performing parihara poojas (appeasement poojas) to this deity. Devotees may perform Angaraka Pooja to get rid of financial crisis. Worshipping Chevvai here helps in neutralizing the negative effects. Offerings of red cloth and Bengal gram or kadalai paruppu are made to Chevvai here. Tuesdays are special days here as Chevvai is associated with that day of the week.

Other interesting things here:
Vaitheeswaran Koil is the nerve centre for Naadi Josiyam, a popular form of astrology. The great sages (Sidhdhars) of India had the power to look into the past and future of the entire universe and had written these predictions on palm leaves. These can be deciphered by expert Naadi astrologers only.

Location:
Buses going to Mayavaram from Chennai, Pondy, Chidambaram, and Cuddalore pass through Vaitheeswaran Koil.
250 Kms from Chennai
7.5 Kms from Sirkali on Sirkali – Mayavaram Road
24 Kms from Chidambaram
15 kms from Mayavaram or Mayiladuthurai
49 Kms from Kumbakonam

Temple Timings: 6AM to 1 PM & 4PM to 9PM.

Temple Contact Numbers

Temples Contact nos. Location

Adhikumbeswarar Temple 0435 - 2420276 Kumbakonam
Kasiviswanathar Temple 0435 - 2400658 Kumbakonam
Abimugeswarar Temple 0435 - 2420187 Kumbakonam
Nageswarar Temple 0435 - 2430386 Kumbakonam
Sarangapani Swami Temple 0435 - 2430349 Kumbakonam
Chakrapani Swami Temple 0435 - 2403284 Kumbakonam
Ramasamy Temple 0435- 2401788 Kumbakonam
Adhivarahar Temple 0435 - 2433077 Kumbakonam
Vellai Vinayagar Temple 0435 - 2416976 Thiruvalansuzhi
Durga Temple 0435 - 2416976 Pateeswaram
Karbagaratchambigai Temple 04374 - 273423 Thirukaruhavoor
Pragadheeswarar Temple 04362 – 274476 Thanjavur
Swaminathar Temple 0435 - 2454421 Swamimalai
Kambahareshwarar Temple 0435 - 2460760 Thirubuvanam
Mahalinga Swamy Temple 0435 – 2461946, 2460660 Thiruvidaimarudhur
Arulmigu Satchinadha Swamy Temple 0452 – 4377116, Mob: 9894217476 Thirunaraiyur
Sooriyanar Temple (Suriyan) 0435 - 2472349 Sooriyanar
Kanjanoor (Sukkiran) 0435 – 2416176, 2473737 Kanjanoor
Kalayanasundareswarar 04364 - 235002 Thirumanachery
Abirami Temple 04364 - 287429 Thirukkadaiyur
Vaitheeswaran Temple (Sevvai ) 04364 - 279423
Thiruvenkadu (Budhan) 04364 – 256424 Thiruvenkadu
Keezhaperumpallam (Kedhu) 04364 - 275222 Keezhaperumpallam
Oppiliappan Temple 0435 – 2463385, 2464260 Thirunageswaram
Thirunageswaran Temple (Raagu ) 0435 – 2463354, 2464261 Thirunageswaram
Prathyangaradevi Temple 0435 – 2463414, 2463144 Ayyavadi
Thirunallaru(Sani) 04368 - 236530 Thirunallaru
Naachiyar Temple 0435 – 2467167
Thingalur Chandran 04362 - 262499 Thingalur
Thirucherai 0435 – 2468001 Thirucherai
Mariyamman Temple 04374 – 264575 Valangaiman
Alangudi (Guru) 04374 – 269407 Alangudi
Rajagopalaswamy Temple 04367 - 242276
Thiruneelakudi 0435 – 2471305 Thiruneelakudi
Pettikaliyamman 0435 – 2443460
Bothendira Saraswathi Swami Mutt 0435 - 2470620
Thiruppananthal Kasi Mutt 0435 – 2456299, 2456655 Thiruppananthal
Sooriyanar Temple (Suriyan) 0435 - 2472349
Kanjanoor (Sukkiran) 0435 – 2416176, 2473737 Kanjanoor
Vaitheeswaran Temple (Sevvai ) 04364 - 279423
Thiruvenkadu (Budhan) 04364 – 256424 Thiruvenkadu
Alangudi (Guru) 04374 – 269407 Alangudi
Thingalur (Chandran) 04362 - 262499 Thingalur

Vasishteswarar Temple-Thenkudi Thittai - Guru Bhagavan

Moolavar : Vasishteswaraswamy / Swayambootheswarar
Goddess : Ulaganayaki, Sugantha Kunthaleswari and Mangaleswari / Sugantha Kunthalambigai
Famous for : Guru is Raja Guru here
Speciality : Worshipped here by Saint Vasishtar.

Vasishteswaraswamy temple, a very ancient one is situated in the village "Thittai" near Thanjavur. As the village is situated south of river Cauvery, its also called "Thenkudi Thittai".

The presiding diety is Swayambootheswarar and the Godess, Ulaganayaki. As the main diety is a Swayambu Lingam he got the name "Swayambootheswarar".

The main diety is also called as Vasishteswarar as he was worshipped here by Saint Vasishtar.

"Thittai", the name of the village means "Thittu" in Tamil, (i-e) a Mound. When the whole world was surrounded by water because of "Pralayam", Brahma & Vishnu worshipped the Lord Maheshara for protection. After wandering much for a safe place, they found this only mound, which did not drown in the Pralaya waters, where there was a Shiva Lingam.

The Lingam here is Swayambhu (Swayam – self & bhu – to be; Swayambhu means self manifest). Sage Vasishta is believed to have worshiped the Lord here and hence the name Vasishteswarar. He is also called Theerurnathar, Pasupathynathar, Radhapureeswarar or Dheenupureeswarar. Yama got rid of curse after worshiping this deity.They performed Pooja to the Lingam and worshipped Lord Shiva, who appeared before them and deligated their duties of Creation and Protection. Its beleived that this is the only place, which was not destroyed even during Pralayam.

The divine consort of Vasishteswarar is Ulaganayaki, Sugantha Kunthaleswari and Mangaleswari. The Goddess Ulaganayaki is known as Sugantha Kunthalambigai since a Vaisya girl by name Sugantha Kunthala got her deceased husband back to life after worshiping Ulaganayaki here. Therefore, Ulaganayaki is worshiped by the married women for the long life of their husband.

There are four Lingas in the four corners and the fifth linga is the main deity, hence this is a pancha linga kshetram. This is also called the Pancha Bhootha Kshetra. The temple tank here is Chakra Theertham, believed to have been created by Lord Vishnu’s chakra.

This is a Parihara sthalam for Guru. Lord Guru is seen in a separate shrine between swami and ambal. Guru here is Raja Guru and is in standing posture, with 4 hands holding his weapons and a book. (In Alangudi, the main Guru Parihara sthalam, Lord Dakshinamurthy is worshipped as Guru.)

He is believed to have given upadesam to Vasishta muni. Worshiping the Guru here and subsequently worshiping Chandran at Thingalur, on the same day, is supposed to bring the Guru Chandra Yogam in ones horoscope. This is supposed to be very good for the inmate of the horoscope.

Unlike many other temples, here the complete temple is built using the stone. Not only for the main dieties, but also all other Sannidhi's are constructed using stones, right from floors, pillars, walls and roof.

An unique feature of this temple is a drop of water falls on the Lingam (Main Diety) exactly every twenty four minutes (1 Naazhigai) from the roof. But for a small hole, there is no source of water or anything, on the Vimana of the main diety.

Two stones "Suryagaanthakkal" and "Chandragaanthakkal" which are placed at strategic points above the Vimana are the reasons for the droplets of water which falls on the diety.

These 2 stones absorb moisture from the atmosphere, convert into 1 water droplet, performing a natural Abhishegam to the diety, every 24 minutes (1 Naazhigai), be it the day or night.

A small piece of yellow cloth (Dhothi) which covers the Lingam is always wet because of this. If one can wait patiently, they can view this amazing act.

That shows the scientific and architechtural brilliance of our ancestors who have made this temple.

The temple tank situated opposite the temple is called "Chakra Theertham" which is believed that it was created by the Chakra from the hands of Mahavishnu.

Another special here is that the "Guru Bhagavan" has a temple inside this temple itself. Even in the Gurusthalam Aalangudi, one can see that Dhakshinamurthy facing South in the Praakaaram is worshipped as Guru.

But this is probably the only place in the world where Guru Bhagavan has a separate Sannidhi and separate Vimana between Vasishteswarar and Loganayaki Sannidhis. This is the only place where you can see Guru Bhagavan who is the Raja Guru, in standing posture with 4 hands holding his weapons and a book. Chitra Pournami & Guru Peyarchi are most important festivals here.

How to reach ?
One can take a bus or cab from Thanjavur. The temple is situated on Thanjavur - Melattur Road on the way to Thirukkarugavur, at the 10th Km from Thanjavur. from Kumbakonam it is 37kms.

Sivalokanathan Temple ( Nandanar Temple ) - Thirupungur

Moolavar : Shivalokanathar
Goddess : Soundaranayaki
Famous for : Stays few steps away from its original position
Nayanmar : Nandanar
Sthalvriksham : Punkam
Speciality : Swayampu Putru






Thirupungur is a small village about 2 kms from Vaitheeswaran Koil. This place was once surrounded by Pungu trees and hence the name Thirupungur.

The Shiva lingam is one of the 64 Swayambhu (Self manifested) lingams and is supposed to have come from an anthill. The Nandi here is also a Swayambhu. The presiding deity at this temple is Shivalokanathar and His consort is Soundaryanayaki. Vinayakar is supposed to have dug a tank here for nandanar on Lord Shiva’s orders and is known as Kulam Vettiya Vinayakar. Devotees offering their prayers to Kulam Vettiya Vinayakar have all their wishes fulfilled.

Nandanar was a devout Shiva Bhaktha. In his previous birth he was born as Brahman and killed cow for an yaga, so he was cursed and born into a low caste family in his next birth and as a result he was denied entry into any temples. His ambition was to visit the temple at Chidambaram. He was working in the fields of a Brahmin Landlord. He would always put off Nandanar’s request to visit Chidambaram(How a lower caste can visit that temple). Nandanar used to tell everyone that he will visit “Chidambaram tomorrow” (Thiru Nalai Poven). He was telling this over a period of time to everyone and he came to be known as “Thiru nali Povar”.
However, one fine day, he told Nandanar that he would be granted the wish if Nandanar were to achieve the impossible task of tilling all the forty acres of the paddy field overnight. A disappointed Nandanar prayed to Shiva to grant him the wish of visitng Chidambaram. The next morning, the Landlord and Nandanar were both astonished to see that all the forty acres of the field had been ploughed!!! The Brahmin immediately realised his folly and prostrated before Nandanar and pleaded forgiveness. Nandanar set out to Chidambaram and on the way he stopped at Thirupungur to have a darshan of the Lord. Nandanar was not able to have the darshan as Nandi was blocking his view. He started singing in praise of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva wanted to know who the devotee was. The dwarapalakas informed Him that it was Nandanar. Immediately, Lord asked Nandi to move to a side to facilitate Him to have a clear view of Nandanar.You can see the Nandi at this temple is shifted to a side. Also Nandi gave him way to see the lord according to his order but you can see him gritting his teeth in anger which is not usually seen in other shiva temples where Nandi hang out the tongue. You can also see the dwarapalaks craning their necks as if to see in the direction of the entrance.
PANCHA LINGAMS :
Once, there was debate between Shiva and Parvathi as to who was more charming. They sought the opinion of Vishnu, who in turn asked Brahma to play the Judge. Brahma rolled a dharba grass and threw it. He said that an answer would be available wherever the grass fell. The grass fell at Thirupungaur and became Pancha Lingam. When Shiva and Parvathi came here, Shiva looked very handsome to Parvathi and Parvathi looked very beautiful to Shiva. Their dispute was thus amicably resolved. It is a belief that marital problems will be solved by worshipping at this temple. Separated spouses will be reunited after visiting the temple.

According to archaeological evidence, Rajaraja Cholan had gifted 24 velis (measures) to this temple. During his reign there was severe drought that resulted in famine and the king prayed to Lord Shiva to bring rain. Lord Shiva came in his dream and asked him to do special poojas for Sivaloganathar. Sundarar was present at the temple when the King came to offer his prayers. The King requested Sundarar to sing in praise of the Lord and bring rain. Sundarar agreed on the condition that the King would donate twelve velis (measures) of land to the temple. Sundarar sang in praise of the God and there was a heavy downpour threatening to cause heavy damage to the country. The King requested Sundarar to stop the rain. Sundarar again laid the same condition. The king gifted the land and immediately it stopped raining.

Highlights :
Removing Naga dosha and poorva janma sins in this temple. Worshipping Shivalokanathaswamy for marriage hurdles, unemployment, poverty, unhappiness. He removes these hurdles and fulfils the wishes of Aasthikas. The main deity at the Sanctum Sanctorum is anointed with Vibuthi, Lime Juice, tender coconut, milk, Dravya powder abhishekams. Devotees perform special puja by offering Neyvedhyams and distribute to the visitors.

IMPORTANT NOTES ON THIS TEMPLE: Nandanar story is famous in this Shiv sthal. Lord Shiva asked Nandi (holy Bull) to step aside to pave way for Nandanar to see HIM directly (as he was not allowed inside temple due to his caste) In most of the temples, Nandi will have tongue, in this temple Nandi does not have a tongue. In all the temples, Dhwarabalakas at the entrance will be standing straight, but in this holy temple, Dhwarabalakas' face is slightly tilted and positioned diagonal. This is so because Dhwarablakas inform the Lord that "Nanadanar has come to have a darshan and is waiting outside to see YOU" Mahaganapathi is called "Kulam vettiya Vinayagar" (The God who dug pond), and the pond is believed to have been dug up by Lord Ganesh by using his Gana-boothas overnight for Nandanar to take bathe.
HOW TO GO AND WHERE IT IS LOCATED :

It is in Tamil Nadu, Near Mayiladuthurai, Thiruvazhuvur, Nagapattinam District
Nearest Railway station : Mayiladuthurai
Nearest Airport : Trichy
Location : 14 kms from Mayliduthurai and 60 kms from Nagapattinam, 2 kms from Vaitheeswaran Koil.
Where can we stay : We can stay in Mayiladuthurai, Vaitheeswaran Koil various good lodges are available

Parwanoo, Himachal Pradesh

Elegantly located at the foothills of Shivalik Ranges in Parwanoo, nearly 6 km from Himachal Haryana border, Timber Trail Resort is a refreshing escape situated so close to capital and yet so far from the city blues.Timber Trail at Parwanoo (Himachal Pradesh, India) is a very popular and widely known resort on the outskirts of Chandigarh at Parwanoo accessible by a Cable Car.

Sprawling in the area of 1.6 acres, Timber Trail Resort literally cater to your every need be it luxury, serenity or recreation. Surrounded by green high hills the resort greets all its visitors with salubrious air, picturesque beauty, inspiring greenery and grand comforts.

Timber Trail is an idyllic holiday destination. The hustle and bustle of the city is forgotten as soon as one enters the gates of this wonderful resort. Surrounded by wooded hills, the Kaushalya river meanders its way between the two hills with spectacular sunset views.

Timber Trail is spread over two hills connected by a Cable Car which used to be a major attraction for Timber Trail earlier and made Parwanoo into a tourist destination.

Beauty. Tranquility. Comforts. Whatever is your reason to visit this postcard perfect part of the world, Timber Trail Heights has all of them. Situated at an altitude of 5000 feet atop the Shivalik Ranges, the resort is accessible by a Cable Car which in itself is a unique experience as you get the aerial view of the beautiful mountains.

Lush green pine woods lending mystic aroma to the atmosphere, Kaushalya River meandering its way between the two hills, spectacular sunset views creating shimmery magic, your holidays here will definitely turn into an exploration.

Check out the Yellow Splurge of Sarson(Kaaduku in Tamil) called "Sarson ke khet" in hindi.Sarson in bloom in Punjab fields and see the beautiful bloom of sarson.

You would have seen in hindi movie and one of the favourite song of all "Tujhe Dekha To Yeh jaana Sanam"..in film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, casting Shahrukh and Kajol (Me and my hubby become the charaters of the film Raj Malhotra and Simran Singh (Shahrukh Khan and Kajol respectively) ;-) We saw these fields on the way to Harayana, we just jump out of the car and took some pictures :)

We were shocked to see one board while crossing the highway and we thought that we had come to "Pakistan". Again We came reverse and had a great relief that it was "ISMAILABAD" not "ISLAMABAD" ;-)

So do not miss this when you are in Norther India tour and you will definitely to feel the love back :-)

How to reach

By Air : Nearest International Airport is New Delhi 280 kms and Nearest Domestic Airport is Chandigarh 35 kms.

By Rail : To Kalka Railway Station 7 kms and Chandigarh Railway Station is 30 kms.

By Road : Towards Shimla (85 kms from Parwanoo) ) on the National Highway 35 kms from Chandigarh.

Timber Trail used to be a favorite stopover on the Shimla-Manali Itinerary when accessed from Delhi . However due to better roads (and therefore lesser time taken), guests prefer Bilaspur or Mandi as a stopover and Timber Trail has emerged as a favorite Delhi and Chandigarh Weekend Getaway and off course corporate Getaway Destination..