Surttapalli tivekka Kanchi This is how the story goes: Thirumizhisai Alwar while living in the Kanchipuram District of Tamil Nadu, had empathy for an old woman, as the age didn’t allow her to offer temple cleaning services as before. With his ascetic power, he transformed her to a young, beautiful woman.
The news soon spread, and the King called for Kani Kannan, the Alwar’s disciple, to the court room. Overwhelmed by the Alwar’s prowess, a desire took over the king: he wanted the Alwar to sing his praises. Kani Kannan responded that the Alwar would praise none but the Lord. The King instead suggested Kani Kannan to do the honors. Again, his request was refused. The King could tolerate no more, and banished Kani Kannan from the kingdom. THIRUVEKKA So he came back to his Guru, and requested permission to leave. Thirumizhisai Alwar took the matter directly to the Lord, and out came this beautiful poetry: “Kani Kannan pogindran, kamaru poon kachi manivanna, nee ingiruka vendam Thunivudaya senna pulavan naan solgiren pannagappai suruti kol” Meaning: Kani Kannan is leaving Kanchipuram. My dearest Manivanna, You too mustn’t stay here. Roll up Your five headed snake bed (adisesh). I, Thirumazhisai Alwar, the poet himself is telling You this, come with us. So there was Kani Kannan walking out, followed by the Alwar, who was in turn followed by the Lord Himself. That meant an empty sanctum-sanctorum. An ominous omen soon set in Kanchi, and the King realised his mistake. He asked for mercy, and requested Alwar and Kani Kannan to return. As they returned, the Alwar sang thus: ” Kani Kannan pokozhindhan, kamaru poon kachi manivanna, nee ingiruka vendum Thunivudaya senna pulavan naan solgiren pannagappai paduthu kol” Meaning: Kani Kannan is not going anywhere. He is not leaving Kanchi. My dearest Manivanna, You must return. You must be here. I, Thirumazhisai Alwar, the poet himself is telling You this, spread Your five headed snake bed (adisesh), and lie down. To every one’s astonishment, the pristine form of the Lord was back in the temple premises. K Rajaraam IRS 7825 On Wed, 6 Aug 2025 at 21:06, 'gopala krishnan' via Thatha_Patty < [email protected]> wrote: > PALLIKONDESWARA TEMPLE, CHITTUR DISTRICT- ANDHRA PRADESH-COMPILED > > Dear friends, > > Pallikondeswarar Temple is a Shiva temple located in Surutapalli, in the > Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. It's situated near the Andhra- Tamil > Nadu border, about 55 km from Chennai, on the Chennai-Tirupathi Highway. > This temple is unique as it's the only one where *Lord Shiva is depicted > in a reclining posture, lying on the lap of Goddess Parvathi*, > > Lord Shiva is in a reclining posture, known as Pallikondeswara, on the > lap of his consort Parvati (also known as Sarvamangala or Sarva > Mangalambika). This representation is unusual for Shiva temples, which > typically feature a Lingam (aniconic symbol) as the main deity. The temple > is believed to be of Vijayanagara origin, dating back to the 16th century, > and is also associated with the Chola dynasty. Today my posting is about > this temple. The temple is on the banks of the river Arani, close to the > border of Tamil Nadu. This is one of the five Pancha Brahma sthalam. > > Hope a divine reading. > > Gopalakrishnan 6-8-2025. > > Origins and Mythology: > > The temple's name, Pallikondeswara, translates to "reclining deity," > referencing Lord Shiva's unique posture. > > The reclining pose is linked to Hindu mythology, particularly the story of > *Shiva > consuming hala hala poison during the churning of the cosmic ocean (Samudra > Manthan*) to save the world. After consuming the poison, he felt dizzy > and rested on Parvati's lap. > > *The temple is also known as Pradosha Kshetram, a place associated with > the Pradosha time of worship, which is considered auspicious for Shiva.* > > It is also believed that sage Valmiki visited and worshipped Shiva here > before composing the Ramayana, leading to the temple also being referred to > as Valmikeeswara. > > Additionally, the temple is associated with Lord Rama's visit after his > victory over Ravana, accompanied by Sita and his brothers. > > Legend in detail > > Due to the curse of sage Durvasa , Indra lost his position in Indraloka > . The demons took over his kingdom. To regain his lost position, the divine > guru Brihaspati said that he should churn the ocean of milk and consume the > elixir to gain strength . > > With the help of Tirumal, the gods and demons churned the ocean of milk on > one side and the demons on the other, using the snake Vasuki as a rope and > the Mantra Mountain as a drink, on the day of Ekadashi. > > As per the legends, during the Samudra Manthana (Churning of Paarkadal - > Ksheera sagara or Ocean of milk) Mount Mandara was used as the churner, and > Vasuki the serpent king who adorns Shiva's neck, was used as the churning > rope. Amritham (elixir) came out of the ocean. > > While churning a deadly poison called Halahala escaped from Vasuki's > mouth/came out of the milky ocean. The poison was so lethal and > powerful,it could have destroyed all the living beings. The Devas > approached Shiva for protection. Without hesitation Shiva consumed the > poison to protect the three worlds. > > Parvathi immediately clutched his throat stopping the poison going beyond > his throat any further. Shiva's throat turned blue and he became to be > known as Neelakandan.( Neela = blue, Kanda = throat in > Sanskrit),Nanjundan ( one who drank poison). > > After the task was completed, Shiva and Parvathy left for Kailash and on > the way, he felt exhausted and uncomfortable due to the poison, He lied > down reclining on the laps of Parvathi. Hence, he is called as > Pallikondeeswarar. > > Historical Context: > > Historical evidence indicates this temple was built during 14th Century by > Hari Hara and Bukka Raya of the Vijayanagara kingdom in 14th Century. > > The temple's architecture reflects a blend of Dravidian styles, featuring > towering gopurams (gateway towers) and intricately carved mandapams > (pillared halls). > > An inscription indicates that a princess from Kalahasti renovated the > temple in 1833, further adding to its historical layers. > > Architecture > > The temple is built in Dravidian style. The temple is huge with big > prakarams. As you enter through the three-tiered gopuram, you can see the > vast courtyard. You can see the Bali Peetam,the Dwajasthambam and a *big > Pradosha Maha Nandhi* in front of Sri Ramalingeswarar Sannidhi. The main > entrance to the inner prakaram is a little left on the side. *Instead of > Dwarapalakas, you can see Kuberan Sanganidhi and Kuberan Padmanidhi with > their wives.* > > Chief deity > > As you to exit the prakaram, on the right side is the big and separate > sannidhi for Pallikondeswarar, Shiva in a reclining form that is unique in > this temple. Inside the sanctum on a two feet tall pedestal, you can see > Lord Siva idol , a massive 16 feet in length, seen lying on the laps of > Parvathi,Sarvamangalmbigai. > > To this moolavar only thaila kappu ( anointing with oil) is done. Another > unique feature in this Shiva sannidhi is , there is no Vibuthi (holy ash) > given. Only Theertha(holy water) is given and *sadari is applied on the > head similar to Vaishnava temples*. > > The deity in Surutupalli temple is called as Bhoga Sayana Siva. This icon > of Shiva in this temple is in complete vigraha rupa which is a rare > feature, unlike the linga swarupa in most Shiva temples. > > This lying posture of Shiva is rare and unique, is almost similar to > Vishnu’s reclining posture. The name Surutupalli comes from ‘Palli’ which > means resting and ‘Surutta’ which means a little dizzy. > > The granite sculpture of the reclining Bhgawan Shiva is huge and about 16 > feet, as also the image of the seated Devi Parvathi by the side of Bhagwan > Shiva. > > Sun God and Moon God are present on either side of Devi Parvathi; Bhagwan > Maha Vishnu, Brahma, Lakshmi, Sage Markandeya, Sage Agastya, Sage Valmiki, > Indra, Sage Narada, Sanaka and Sananda Munis, Nandikeshwara, Bhagwan > Subrahmanya with His Consorts, Bhagwan Ganapathy and many devas and rishis > are present in the sanctum sanctorum as sculptures. > > The whole Kailasam is said to have assembled there, a scene which cannot > be seen in any other temple. > > Sub deities > > There is a big separate sannidhi for Goddess Maragathambal in a standing > posture called Simma Vahini (Lion as Vahanam). In the entrance on the left > is the Salagrama Ganesha and to the right is Subramanya with consorts > Valli and Devayanai. > > Just outside Ambal sannidhi is Karpka Vritcham and on the left side is the > Kamadhenu. There are idols of the Nayanmars around the sannidhi. > > Before you could go to Valmikiswarar sannidhi, you can see idols of > Ekapadhathrimurthy,Jwaraharamurthy, > Goddess Rajamathangi,Sandikeswarar and Saptha mathas. There is a sannidhi > to the right of Marahadhambal sannidi for the Valmikiswarar, in a swayambu > linga(self-manifested) form. Opposite is another sannidhi for > Ramalingeswarar with Parvathi. > > Dakshina Murthy with Ambal Gowri is called 'Dambathya Dakshinamurthy'.They > say this is unique and not seen in any other temples. There is a sannidhi > next to the saptha mathas for Shiva utsavar. Outside this sannidhi on the > entrance are Sri Venugopalaswamy and to the right is Adhikara Nandhi. > There are idols of Suryan, Chandran, Indra, Markandeya and other sages are > seen. There is an idol on the outside of this sannidhi for Adi Shankara , > who is the reincarnation of Shiva. > > Kuber, the god of wealth with his wives Kauberi and Bhadra, are present in > the temple entrance as Dwarapalakas. On either side of the Devi > Marakathambika, Kamadhenu and Kalpaa viruksham are present. In the front, > Salagrama Ganapathy murti is present. > > Appar, Sundarar, Sambandar, Kasi Viswanatha with Vislakshi, are all > present in the inner prakaram. Subramanya with his consorts Valli and > Devyani is present facing south. Next to him is the Rajamathangi shrine. > > In the courtyard, sage Bhrigu, Brahma, Vishnu, Markandeya, Narada, the > Saptarishis, and Indra are seated. > > Significance and Worship: > > The Pallikondeswara Temple is a popular pilgrimage site, attracting > devotees from all over India, particularly during festivals and rituals. > > The temple's unique representation of Shiva, along with its mythological > and historical associations, makes it a significant religious and cultural > landmark. *Besides the main deity, the temple complex also houses shrines > dedicated to other deities, including Ganesha, Kartikeya, Surya, Chandra, > and sages like Narada. * > > The temple is currently maintained and administered by the State Institute > of Temple Administration (SITA) of the Government of Andhra Pradesh. > > What is the Speciality of Surutapalli Temple? > > As far as history , the speciality of the temple is the position of lord > after consuming the poison resting on the lap of the goddess. The temple is > in Surutapalli on the Chennai - Andhra border. This old temple is unique as > we can see reclining Shiva in human form (It is usually Vishnu who poses > like this). > > It is believed that sage Valmiki visited this temple and did penance at > this place before starting to write Ramayana and worshipped Bhagwan Shiva. > Hence the name Valmikeeswara to the deity. > > It is also believed that Bhagwan Rama accompanied by his consort Seetha, > brothers Lakshman, Bharat, Satrughan and hanuman visited this temple after > killing Ravan and becoming the King of Ayodhya. The foot prints of Bhagwan > Rama’s sons Lava and Kusa can also be found in this temple. > > The specialty of this temple being that all its deities are present with > their consorts. They are: Pallikondeswara – Sarva Mangalaambikai; > Valmeekeshwara – Marakathambika; Vinaayaka – Siddhi, Buddhi; Saasthaa (lord > Ayyappa)– Poorna, Pushakala; Kuber –Kauberi and Bhadra; Dakshinamoorthy – > Taara; Kasi Viswanatha – Vislakshi > > The main deity Valmikeeswara in an unusual triangular shaped Swayambhu > lingam. > > In front of the Valmikeeswara shrine, to the left, is present a stone with > many foot prints of kids which is said to be of Rama’s twin sons Lav and > Kush. > > Kanchi Maha Swami Sri Chandrasekara Saraswathi swamigal once visited here > and did a tapas here for 40 days according to the temple sources. Kanchi > Shankara Paramacharya is said to have spent lot of time here meditating and > is credited with tracing the Ramayana period findings present in the form > of foot prints of Lav and Kush on a stone. A meditation hall is constructed > in this temple in his memory. > > Beliefs > > Eligible Boys and girls, whose marriage are hindered or delayed, light > 'Nei despams' (ghee lamps) equivalent to their age in front of 'Thambathya > Dakshinamurthy' sannidhi, their obstacles are said to be removed and get > married.(A 24-year-old will light 24 deepams) > > *Pradosham is very important here, and whoever visit during pradosham days > are said to achieve what they desire in life.* > > Festivals > > Pradosham is important here. Apart from Pradoshams,Sivarathiri,Maha Siva > rathiri, Navaratri, Aipasi Annabishekam in Oct-November,Thiruvadhirai in > Dec-January, are celebrated here. > > Details about Pradosham > > Pradosham-The performance of Pradosha pooja at this temple is noteworthy. > Pradosham, the fortnightly festival is celebrated in all the south Indian > temples. Pradosha or Pradosham is a bimonthly occasion on the thirteenth > day (trayodasi) of every fortnight in Hindu calendar. > > It is closely connected with the worship of Bhagwan Shiva. The auspicious > 3-hour period, i.e., 1.5 hours before and after the sunset is one of the > ideal time for worship of Bhagwan Shiva. In the Pradosha, period the Sun > and the Moon meet in a horizontal line during their movement on their Axis. > > Bhagwan Shiva swallowed that poison. Then as per His order they resumed > their effort to get Amrutham and succeeded in getting it on dwadasi > (twelfth moon day). Without praying and thanking Him, by whom they got > Amrutham, Devas started dancing and celebrating their victory. > > *On trayodasi (thirteenth moon day) they realised their sin of not praying > Bhagwan and pleaded for forgiveness*. Bhagwan Shiva forgave them and > danced between the horns of the Nandi (holy bull). That time when Bhagwan > Shiva danced is called Pradosham. It is believed that whoever prays Bhagwan > Shiva in that time, will get their wishes fulfilled and attain salvation. > > *During Pradosha time anointing (Abhishekam) the Shiva deity with the > following is considered fruitful.* > > Milk gives long life, Ghee gives salvation, Curd gives good children, > Honey gives melodious voice, Rice powder frees one from debts, Sugar cane > juice gives good health, Panchamrutham gives wealth, Lemon removes fear > of death, Sugar removes enmity, Tender coconut gives enjoyment,Cooked > Rice (Annam) gives majestic life,Sandal gives Lakshmi’s grace > > The above story gives a message that one should never forget to show the > gratitude to those who help them. It also tells that forgiveness is a > divine quality one should cultivate (Like Bhagwan Shiva who pardons the > Devas) > > Method of worship > > As one enters through the small Rajagopuram, the shrine of Valmikeeswara > and Devi Marakathambika is on the left side and the shrine of > Pallikondeswara is on the right side. *People first worship Devi > Marakathambika and then Valmikeeswara. * > > Temple Timings > > The temple is open from 6:30 AM till 12:00 noon and from 4:00 pm till 8:30 > pm. During Pradosha days the temple is open until 8:00pm without break. > > Dress code > > No stringent dress code exists for entering the temple , but devotees are > requested visit in a decent dress. > > Temple location > > The temple is 56 kms from Chennai in the Tamil Nadu AP border. > > The nearest airport is Chennai and there are several bus services from > Chennai via Periapalayam (famous for Periyapalaythu Amman) . You can drive > your car as the road is good. > > Contact Address of the temple > > Sri Pallikondeeswaraswamy Devasthanam, > > Surutapalli,Nagalapuram Mandal > > Chittoor Dt. AP 517589 > > Contact Details:- 85762 78599, 073820 05038, and Temple Archaga: Ganesh > Sharma - 98295 35741 & 88709 87829 > > How to reach Pallikondeswara Temple? > > By Air: The nearest airport to the temple is located in Chennai at a > distance of about 70 km. Tirupati (Renigunta airport) is located at around > 70 KMs from Surutupalli. > > By Rail: nearest railway station is Srikalahasti located at around 57 > KMs. One can also go by train up to Chennai and from there by road to reach > the temple. > > By Road: Being a pilgrimage site, it is well connected by road from > Tirupati, Puttur, Chennai and other major towns. > > > > -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "Thatha_Patty" group. > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an > email to [email protected]. > To view this discussion visit > https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/349179169.1714273.1754494490991%40mail.yahoo.com > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/349179169.1714273.1754494490991%40mail.yahoo.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > . > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Thatha_Patty" group. 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