Date of Visit : 4-Feb-2011
Thiruvidanthai is One of the 108 Vaishnava Divya Desams, Thiruvidanthai is situated at Kovalam (this is different from the Kovalam of Kerala ) on the ECR at a distance of about 40Kms from Chennai.
This quite near Mamallapuram, a series of posts of which I just concluded.
While I am sorting out facts and pictures of my next series of posts (Suspense..!) , the first of which I am hoping to roll out this week end....... I noticed the photos of Thiruvidanthai that is near Mamallapuram. So posting it just along with Mamallapuram will not be out of place. Till tomorrow or Saturday, Hope you enjoy these pictures.
This is the place where Lord Vishnu married 360 daughters of Sage Kalava..!
Click the following link to read the interesting story of how sage Kalava got his 360 daughters married..!
http://kullabaski.blogspot.com/2008/03/story-of-thiruvidanthai-temple.html
The principal deity Lord Vishnu is in the form of wild boar known as Aadhi Varaha swamy aka Nithya Kalyana Perumal and Goddess is Ahilavalli thaayaar (Thaayaar in Tamil means Mother).
This lord is supposed to bestow the marriage wish of His devotees..Many unmarried singles come here to pray for a suitable life partner..and I found many newly wed couples also. Couples carry garlands and wear it in front of the deity after they are sanctified at the feet of the deity.
This beautiful arch welcomes you ..as you enter the small road from the ECR to get to the temple. On going further you will encounter this elegant frontage of the temple.
Ever since I spotted some beautiful paintings on the inside roof of the mandapam at Thirukkazhukundram temple, I became curious and make it a point to look for some thing special there..!
Once you enter the main entrance, you encounter a huge lawn with a couple of mandapams. The lush green grass and well maintained space will be a joy to sit and relax in the evenings. Beyond this camera is not allowed..
Outside on the way to the arch is the tank of the temple. This is called Varaha Theertham aka Kalyana Theertham. Contains a large number of fishes. The water in this huge tank seems to be slowly getting polluted. Though the water looks clear on close quarters, I found a lot of garbage floating on the surface and people washing clothes. When I questioned a woman washing the clothes, she asked me to mind my business and told me that the temple tanks are meant for washing and bathing only..! The temple authorities need to take steps to protect the quality of water in this tank which adds beauty of this otherwise well maintained temple...!
I enjoyed watching these busy fishes...How about you ?
Thiruvidanthai is One of the 108 Vaishnava Divya Desams, Thiruvidanthai is situated at Kovalam (this is different from the Kovalam of Kerala ) on the ECR at a distance of about 40Kms from Chennai.
This quite near Mamallapuram, a series of posts of which I just concluded.
While I am sorting out facts and pictures of my next series of posts (Suspense..!) , the first of which I am hoping to roll out this week end....... I noticed the photos of Thiruvidanthai that is near Mamallapuram. So posting it just along with Mamallapuram will not be out of place. Till tomorrow or Saturday, Hope you enjoy these pictures.
This is the place where Lord Vishnu married 360 daughters of Sage Kalava..!
Click the following link to read the interesting story of how sage Kalava got his 360 daughters married..!
http://kullabaski.blogspot.com/2008/03/story-of-thiruvidanthai-temple.html
The principal deity Lord Vishnu is in the form of wild boar known as Aadhi Varaha swamy aka Nithya Kalyana Perumal and Goddess is Ahilavalli thaayaar (Thaayaar in Tamil means Mother).
This lord is supposed to bestow the marriage wish of His devotees..Many unmarried singles come here to pray for a suitable life partner..and I found many newly wed couples also. Couples carry garlands and wear it in front of the deity after they are sanctified at the feet of the deity.
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| Varaha Swamy with Goddess Lakshmi |
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| Elegant architecture with cute sculptures |
This beautiful arch welcomes you ..as you enter the small road from the ECR to get to the temple. On going further you will encounter this elegant frontage of the temple.
Ever since I spotted some beautiful paintings on the inside roof of the mandapam at Thirukkazhukundram temple, I became curious and make it a point to look for some thing special there..!
Once you enter the main entrance, you encounter a huge lawn with a couple of mandapams. The lush green grass and well maintained space will be a joy to sit and relax in the evenings. Beyond this camera is not allowed..
Outside on the way to the arch is the tank of the temple. This is called Varaha Theertham aka Kalyana Theertham. Contains a large number of fishes. The water in this huge tank seems to be slowly getting polluted. Though the water looks clear on close quarters, I found a lot of garbage floating on the surface and people washing clothes. When I questioned a woman washing the clothes, she asked me to mind my business and told me that the temple tanks are meant for washing and bathing only..! The temple authorities need to take steps to protect the quality of water in this tank which adds beauty of this otherwise well maintained temple...!
I enjoyed watching these busy fishes...How about you ?
Marvelous, interesting post as always, Sridharan, and I do love the fact that you show us not only the obviously beautiful things, but the not so beautiful as well! That's gives the feeling of reality as well as beauty and history. Look forward to the next installment as always! Have a wonderful weekend!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
Nice one ........ Hope the suspense is not Mysore and surrounding s .
ReplyDeleteThanks Sylvia.. You too have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteTGS, No prize for guessing for you!
Ah...the story is interesting too! I had actually no clue that Lord Vishnu did anything like this as well ;)
ReplyDeleteThe fish pond looks very interesting, though sadly a little dirty as well...
I had not realised that Lord Vishnu was so courageous as to marry so many young women!
ReplyDeleteI do like these ceiling paintings as well.
Looking for the next post!
In meantime, wishing you a good week-end :D
Very interesting story..and so great captures!
ReplyDeleteThe temple looks very serene.. I especially loved the artistic roof!
Looking forward to future posts:-)
Thanks Siddhartha,DeeBee & Arti- for stopping by to comment.
ReplyDeleteNot only these temples are ancient, the associated story never fails to fascinate..(at least amuse..!)
DeeBee - Reg courage of Vishnu-Was it more an act of defense than one of courage? I guess the 300+ girls will have no time to bother the husband before settling scores among themselves..which is never likely to end..(lol)!
Reminds me of my trip to Thrividanthai.
ReplyDeleteThat shot of the fishes, I clicked a very similar one.
Check it out here.
Parappalaru Falls - A picture Album
Nice post Bushavali..Thanks for stopping by here..
ReplyDeletehello sri sir, i have decided to go by bike over there from chennai. Is that good.
ReplyDeleteYes..Riding a bike on ECR is breeze..But guard against speeding cars and over speeding..!
ReplyDelete