CHIDAMBARAM TEMPLE - (AKSHA, SKY) THIRUVANAIKKAL (WATER, APPU LINGAM)
The gopurams (pagodas) at Chidambaram are the oldest in the south of India, and portions of them are gems of art. The principal temple is sacred to Shiva, and is said to have been rebuilt or enlarged by a leper emperor, who came south on a pilgrimage and was cured by bathing in the temple tank.
It contains a "Hall of a Thousand Pillars", one of numerous such halls in India. The exact number of pillars in this case is 999; each is a block of solid granite, and the roof of the principal temple is of GOLD-gilt.
Unlike most Shiva temples, the icon or murti is not in the typical form of a linga. Rather the image is of Shiva as Nataraja, which depicts the Lord anthropomorphically as the Cosmic Dancer.
Chidambaram is one of panchabhootastalas. Sri Kalahasthi is a temple town in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Located here is one of the famous Shiva temples in South India, and is said to be the site where Kannappa, one of the 63 Saivite Nayanars, was ready to offer his last remaining eye to cover blood flowing from the Siva linga before the Lord Siva stopped him and granted mukti. Sri Kalahasti temple, situated 36 km away from Tirupati is famous for its Vayudeva temple, which is the only shrine of the god of wind in India. Goddess Umadeviyar indulged in penance and built a Sivalinga with just holywater, as aresult this lingam is known as ‘appulingam’. This holy water point is perennial and is regarded as Srimath Theertham. The sanctum (Sannathi) of Swami is situated facing towards the western side. It is constructed in such a way to prevent elephants from entering the temple
Monolithic stone pillars (made from single stone) are found in the mandapam, situated at the entrance of Aariyavittan tower in 3rd Praharam. Stone chains and 12 zodiac signs are beautifully carved on these pillars. Pillars found in 1000 pillar hall and in various parts of temple have artistic sculptural works.
In the year1910, 2 big temple cars were made for god & goddess. ‘Coratham’(used for procession) and several wooden Vahanas are present in this temple.
156 Inscriptions have been found at this temple. Inscriptions of King Madurai konda Parakesari varman paranthaka cholan is the oldest among them. Of these five holy sthalas Thiruvannamalai is the Theju sthala. To think about Thiruvannamalai alone bestows liberation and this sthala naturally stands first. One can obtain salvation (Mukthi) by remaining in one's place and thinking of Thiruvannamalai.
This Mukthi sthala spreads an expanse of 25 acres containing the temple of Lord Arunachala with tall towers piercing the sky. This shrine is famous not only in India but throughout the world.
Legends declare that those who pronounce the name of this sthala once, secure the bliss of repeating three crores of times the panchakshara (the Mantra of five words) and that not only those who visited and worshipped in this sthala, but also their descendents up to 21 generations will get liberation.
As one enters the city Thiruvannamalai, the Rajagopuram standing majestically, soaring a height of 217 feet comes to view first. It has 11 stories. This tower is a standing testimony to the artistic genius of the Vijayanagar Dynasty.
Of these five holy sthalas Thiruvannamalai is the Theju sthala. To think about Thiruvannamalai alone bestows liberation and this sthala naturally stands first. One can obtain salvation (Mukthi) by remaining in one's place and thinking of Thiruvannamalai.
This Mukthi sthala spreads an expanse of 25 acres containing the temple of Lord Arunachala with tall towers piercing the sky. This shrine is famous not only in India but throughout the world.
Legends declare that those who pronounce the name of this sthala once, secure the bliss of repeating three crores of times the panchakshara (the Mantra of five words) and that not only those who visited and worshipped in this sthala, but also their descendents up to 21 generations will get liberation.
As one enters the city Thiruvannamalai, the Rajagopuram standing majestically, soaring a height of 217 feet comes to view first. It has 11 stories. This tower is a standing testimony to the artistic genius of the Vijayanagar Dynasty.
CHIDAMBARAM TEMPLE - (AKSHA, SKY)
The gopurams (pagodas) at Chidambaram are the oldest in the south of India, and portions of them are gems of art. The principal temple is sacred to Shiva, and is said to have been rebuilt or enlarged by a leper emperor, who came south on a pilgrimage and was cured by bathing in the temple tank.
It contains a "Hall of a Thousand Pillars", one of numerous such halls in India. The exact number of pillars in this case is 999; each is a block of solid granite, and the roof of the principal temple is of GOLD-gilt.
Unlike most Shiva temples, the icon or murti is not in the typical form of a linga. Rather the image is of Shiva as Nataraja, which depicts the Lord anthropomorphically as the Cosmic Dancer.
Chidambaram is one of panchabhootastalas.
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