👍 On Sun, 28 Dec 2025 at 18:20, indirapriyadarsini m < [email protected]> wrote:
> *காமரு கச்சி திருமழிசை ஆழ்வார் மங்களாசாஸனம். யதோத்காரிப் பெருமாள் சொன்ன > வணணம் செய்த பெருமாள்* > > > > *கணிகண்ணன் போகின்றான் காமருபூங்கச்சி* > *மணிவண்ணா நீ கிடக்கவேண்டா – துணிவுடைய* > *செந்நாப்புலவனும் போகின்றேன் நீயுமுன்றன்* > *பைந்நாகப்பாயை சுருட்டிக்கொள்* > > > > > > *கணிகண்ணன் போக்கொழிந்தான் காமருபூங்கச்சிமணிவண்ணா நீ கிடக்கவேண்டும் – > துணிவுடையசெந்நாப்புலவனும் போக்கொழிந்தேன் நீயுமுன்றன்பைந்நாகப் பாயை > விரித்துக்கொள்* > > > > On Sun, 28 Dec 2025, 16:28 Rajaram Krishnamurthy, <[email protected]> > wrote: > >> Prof. Sankaran Narayanan, Department of History, Sri Chandrasekharendra >> Viswamaha Vidyalaya, Kanchipuram, says that literary and historical >> evidence point to the fact that the Kamakshi temple is ancient dating back >> to the sixth century, the Chola, Pandya and Pallava rulers and later the >> Vijayanagara kings and Telugu rulers lending their unique touches. The >> sanctum sanctorum should have been renovated by the Pandyas in the 14th >> century, he says. >> >> Evidences point to the presence of a Buddhist monastery. “Quite possibly >> both existed and one outlived the other,” he says. “The presence of a Divya >> Desam within the premises proclaims the Saiva-Vaishnva unity that prevailed >> in those days,” he adds. The abode of Sri Adivaraha Perumal (Kalvar) has >> been restored and another Vishnu shrine (Ninran-Irundan-Kidanthan) has been >> spruced up to facilitate easy flow of devotees >> >> Inscriptions relating to Parantaka Chola, Raja Raja, Rajendra Chola II >> and Kulothunga III provide evidence for 1,200 years, 10th-12th centuries. >> Many Pallava vestiges in the form of tablets and balustrades with their >> signature lion motif are available too. >> >> Appar and Sundarar refer to Kamakottam Kanchi in their Thevaram hymns >> while the seventh century Sangam poet Adiyarkunallar sings of Kachikotta >> Kamakshi. Thevaram and Periyapuranam also refer to Kachi Sastha. In the >> narration of Balarama’s tirthayatra, Bhagavatapurana speaks of Kamakotipuri >> Kanchi. The name of Sangam poetess Kamakanni could be the chaste Tamil >> version of Kamakshi. Perumbanatrupadai has it that an aerial view of >> Ooragam (Kanchipuram) reveals the lotus shape of the town. In such a >> formation, Mahavishnu takes the centre with a shrine for Sakti close to >> Him, explains Prof. Sankaran Narayanan. >> >> The temple has a shrine for Sri Adi Sankara, who installed the Sri Chakra >> inside the sanctum sanctorum. The spruced up niche of the Acharya has a >> golden roof, now renewed. The sudai images of the guru parampara have been >> replaced with stone sculptures. >> >> >> >> Raja Chandra Samana Kanti Vadana Nagadi Rajastuta >> >> Mookanamabi Kurvati suraduni Nikasa Vagvaibhavam >> >> Sri Kanchi Nagari Vihara Rasika Sokabahandrisatam >> >> Eka Punyaparampara Pasupate Akaarani Rajate >> >> (Verse 11) >> >> Kaivalyataya Karunarasa Kingaraya >> >> Kamakshi Kandalita Viprama Sankaraya >> >> Alokanaya Tava Bhakta Sivankaraya >> >> Mathar Namostu Paratantrita Sankaraya >> >> (Verse 47) >> >> These two verses are from Mookapanchasati, the 500-verse sloka, of which >> Paramacharya recommends at least 31 for recitation. >> >> Mookan was a mute illiterate, who fervently prayed to Kamakshi for the >> power of speech. The Goddess responded by making him compose 500 verses in >> Her praise. >> >> “This shrine draws unto it the power of any sanctum that you may be >> praying at and returns it manifold” - Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati said >> this of Kamakshi. Referred to as Mokshapuri and Muktistalam, even an >> accidental arrival at Kanchipuram is said to offer liberation to the soul. >> Of the five sacred places associated with the five elements of Nature, >> Kanchipuram is Pritvikshetram (Earth). >> >> Legend has it that tortured by Bandakasura, the celestials on the advice >> of Lord Siva, prayed to Sri Mahatripurasundari. She emerged from Bilahasa, >> annihilated the demon and went into the Biladwara to emerge as the >> resplendent Rajarajeswari. Sri Lalitha Mahatripurasundari is hailed as >> Kamakshi, sporting the cane bow, flower, the rope (paasa) and the ankusa. >> She is in meditation (Yoga Nishtai), seated in Padmasana. >> >> The Biladwara, opening, and Gayatri Mantapam, where it is located are >> therefore most sacred. Kanchipuram, in this context, is Akasa Kshetram, as >> mentioned in ‘Sowbhagya Chintamani,’ a work of sage Durvasa, who is >> enshrined in the temple. >> >> Known as Kamaraja Peetam, Kanchi is considered the waist of the Universe. >> Sri Kamakshi is the presiding deity for the entire town, so much so that >> the processions of all temples go round her abode. She is the >> personification of Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati. Her shrine is situated in >> such a way that the devotee can never show his back to Her. And the Siva >> temples here do not have a separate shrine for Ambal. >> >> Paramacharya often said that the Goddesses in the entire South up to >> Thanjavur, are actually Kamakshi although local lore may refer to them by >> different names. The temple, he said was a rare instance of Sakti and Sri >> Chakra enshrined exclusively. >> >> Halls of worship >> >> All the mantapams — Gayatri, Sukravara, Vasantha, Aippasi Pooram, >> Dwajarohanam, Tirthavari, Navaratri (Dasara), Kanu and Deepavali — where >> the utsava deity is brought during various festivals wear a new look. >> >> Also known as >> >> The other names of Kanchipuram include: Satyavrata Kshetram, Bhaskara >> Kshetram, Harihara Kshetram, Satya Kshetram, Sripuram, Kailasam and >> Vaikkuntam. >> >> It has as its boundaries Swamipushkarani (Tirumala) in the North, >> Pinakini in the South, Bay of Bengal in the East and Virinjipuram in the >> West. >> >> Swaminatha Sthapati considers it a blessing to have been given the >> opportunity to do the Tiruppani. He is the third generation architect to be >> associated with the Kamakshi temple. “My grandfather Subbaiah Sthapati >> renovated the Vasantha Mantapam and he built the shrine where the >> Chandramouliswara puja is conducted daily,” he says. >> >> Sri Sankara Vijayendra Saraswati’s brief to the Sthapati was terse but >> clear: “Don’t hurry. Tradition should be preserved and take absolute care.” >> So every nuance was attended to and there was no pressure. “It has been a >> huge learning curve for me,” exults the architect, who along with his >> father executed the work on the monumental golden temple in Vellore. An >> experience that stood him in good stead while working on the golden roof of >> Sri Kamakshi and Adi Sankara. >> >> The Sthapati singles out as challenge the Sudai Karuchakkarai padimam and >> Sila Soolam techniques adopted while restoring the Perumal Moolavar image. >> “A skill of high order is required for this and it was first time for me,” >> he adds. >> >> Working on the sculptures on the East gopuram, not touched since 1975, >> and sculpting the 80 Guru Parampara images on the pillar of the Q-Mandapam >> are other aspects he mentions in particular. >> >> K Rajaram IRS 281225 >> >> NB: Adi shankara in 10th century is a misnomer. Guruparampara 80 >> denote 30-year average per guru makes it 2400 years. Kamakshi Temple age is >> that much old >> >> On Sun, 28 Dec 2025 at 14:17, 'gopala krishnan' via Thatha_Patty < >> [email protected]> wrote: >> >>> *EKAMBARESWAR TEMPLE-KANCHIPURAM-TAMILNADU* >>> >>> >>> Introduction >>> >>> Ekambareswarar Temple (Ekambaranathar Temple) is a Hindu temple >>> dedicated to the god Shiva, located in the town of Kanchipuram in Tamil >>> Nadu, India. It is significant to the Hindu sect of Saivism as one of the >>> temples associated with the five elements, the Pancha Bhoota Stalas, and >>> specifically the element of earth, or Prithvi. >>> >>> Shiva is worshiped as Ekambareswarar or Ekambaranathar and is >>> represented by the lingam as *Prithvi lingam*. His consort Parvati is >>> depicted as Elavarkuzhali. >>> >>> The presiding deity is revered in the *7th century* Tamil Saiva >>> canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the >>> nayanars and classified as *Paadal Petra Sthalam.* >>> >>> The temple complex covers 10 hectares (25 acres), and is one of the >>> largest in India. It houses four gateway towers known as gopurams. The >>> tallest is the southern tower, with 11 stories and a height of 58.5216 m >>> (192 ft), making it one of the tallest temple towers in India. >>> >>> The temple has numerous shrines, with those of Ekambareswarar and the >>> Vishnu shrine - Nilathingal Thundam Perumal (a Divya Desam) being the >>> most prominent. The temple complex houses many halls; the most notable is >>> the thousand-pillared hall built during the *Vijayanagar period.* The >>> temple is the largest and one of the most prominent tourist attractions in >>> the city. >>> >>> Legends >>> >>> Legend has it that the lingam here at the Ekambareswarar Temple is made >>> and worshipped by Goddess Parvati herself and that we can still see a mark >>> on the Lingam which holds this legend true. >>> >>> Once Goddess Parvati covered Shiva’s eyes and the world suddenly filled >>> with darkness. With Shiva’s eyes closed, the Sun and Moon darkened without >>> even a beam of light. He opened his third eye and saved the day for the >>> mankind. Parvati was filled with guilt after witnessing all these. Shiva >>> asked her to do penance to free her from wrong karma. Parvati born on earth >>> as Kamakshi and started her penance. She made a Shiva linga out of sand and >>> worshipped Lord Shiva in the form of Prithvi Lingam [Lingam made of earth] >>> under an ancient temple mango tree. At the same time, Shiva in order to >>> test her devotion caused a flood where Kamakshi was busy worshipping him. >>> >>> Kamakshi on realizing about the flood got scared of the Prithvi Lingam >>> being washed off, embraces the lingam. Lord Shiva who literally started >>> melting due to her devotion and love appears in his materialized human form >>> and married Kamakshi. Also this is when Kamakshi accidently left some marks >>> on the lingam as a result of her bangles and kuchas hitting the sand made >>> lingam which can be seen even today. >>> >>> In order to test her devotion Shiva sent fire on her. Parvati prayed to >>> the god Vishnu. Vishnu brought the Moon whose rays cooled down the tree and >>> Parvati. Shiva again sent the river Ganga (Ganges) to disrupt Parvati's >>> penance. Parvati convinced Ganga that since they were sisters, she should >>> not harm Parvati. Parvati worshipped a Shiva Linga out of sand to please >>> Shiva. Ultimately, Shiva appeared before her as *Ekambareswarar or >>> "Lord of Mango Tree"*. >>> >>> *According to another legend*, Parvati worshipped Shiva in the form of >>> a Prithvi Lingam (or a Lingam out of sand), under a mango tree. Legend has >>> it that the Vegavati river overflowed, threatening to engulf the Shiva >>> Lingam; Parvati as Kamakshi embraced the Lingam. Shiva touched by the >>> gesture materialized in person and married her. In this context he is >>> referred to as Tazhuva kuzhainthaar ("He who melted in Her embrace") in >>> Tamil. >>> >>> *Tirukuripputhonda Nayanar*, a nayanar saint, was a washerman near the >>> temple and he washed the clothes of all the Saivities. He was divinely >>> tricked by Shiva appearing as an aged brahmin and asked him to wash before >>> dawn. At the same time, Shiva made a cloudy evening. On observing the >>> approach of the evening, the washerman banged his head in a stone in >>> disappointment. God appeared in his true form and graced his devotee. >>> >>> History >>> >>> The present masonry structure was built during the *Chola dynasty in >>> the 9th century*, while later expansions are attributed to Vijayanagar >>> rulers. >>> >>> This vast temple is one of the most ancient in India having been in >>> existence since at least 600 CE. The temple finds mention in the classical >>> Tamil Sangam literature dated 300 BCE like Manimegalai and >>> Perumpāṇāṟṟuppaṭai. *Initially temple was built by Pallavas. *The >>> Vedantist Kachiyapper served as a priest at the temple. >>> >>> *The existing structure then, was pulled down and rebuilt by the later >>> Chola Kings*. >>> >>> Adi Sankara, the 10th-century saint got Kanchipuram remodelled along >>> with expansion of this temple along with Kamakshi Amman temple and >>> Varadaraja Perumal Temple with the help of local rulers. >>> >>> >>> >>> The Vijayanagar kings, during the 15th century, also made lot of >>> contributions to the temple and later developed by *Vallal Pachiyappa >>> Mudaliar* used to go regularly from Chennai to Kanchipuram to worship >>> in this temple, he spent significant money he amazed during British rule on >>> the temple renovation. >>> >>> Pachiyappa Mudaliar seated at horseback can be seen in the temple pillar. >>> >>> >>> *At the later stage a similar temple with same name Ekambareswarar was >>> constructed in Chennai by Pachiappa Mudaliar in order to avoid travelling >>> time to Kanchipuram.* >>> >>> The Archaeological Survey of India report of 1905–06 indicates >>> widespread renovation activities carried out in the temple by Nattukottai >>> Chettiars. In modern times, the temple is maintained and administered by >>> the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government >>> of Tamil Nadu. >>> >>> Architecture >>> >>> The temple covers an area of 10 hectares (25 acres). Reaching a height >>> of 59 m (194 ft), the temple's Raja gopuram (the entrance tower to the >>> temple) is one of the tallest in South India. >>> >>> * The bottom half of the gateway tower has the shrines of Vinayaka and >>> Murugan on either sides*. From the entrance, there are two halls namely >>> Vahana Mandapam (vehicle hall) and Sarabhesa Mandapam (also called >>> Navaratri hall). The Aayiram Kaal Mandapam, or the "hallway with a thousand >>> pillars", which was built by the Vijayanagar Kings, is found on precinct >>> after the gateway tower. *There is said to have been an underground >>> holy river*. >>> >>> The fourth courtyard contains a small Ganesha temple and a pond. The >>> third courtyard contains lot of smaller shrines. The flag staff of the >>> temple is axial to the sanctum and diagonally located to the main entrance >>> and the temple tank on either directions. >>> >>> There is a shrine called Thirukachi Mayanam and Kalayana Mandapa, named >>> after Pachayappa Mudaliar, both of which are located close to the flag >>> staff. Thirukachi Mayanam, Valeesam, Rishabesam and Satyanadeesam are >>> located in four corners of the temple. *The hall of the flagstaff has >>> pillars sculpted with intricate figures indicating various legends and >>> avatars of Shiva.* There are granite image of the 63 Nayanmars around >>> the first precinct. The temple's inner most precinct are decorated with an >>> array of Shivalingam, one of which is a Sahasra Lingam with 1,008 Siva >>> lingams sculpted on it. There is a separate shrine for Nataraja on the >>> second precinct. >>> >>> Sanctum >>> >>> The sanctum sanctorum contains the lingam along with the image of Shiva >>> and Parvati sitting together. >>> >>> The gold plated lingam depicts the story of Parvati hugging the lingam >>> to save it from the flooding Vegavati river. >>> >>> There is no separate shrine for Parvati within the complex as with all >>> other Shiva temples in Kanchipuram. A >>> <https://www.google.com/maps/search/in+Kanchipuram.+A?entry=gmail&source=g> >>> local belief is that the deity at the Kamakshi Amman Temple is the >>> consort for Ekambaranathar. Behind the image of Lingam in the sanctum, >>> there is a depiction of Shiva and Parvathi in a plaque with Shiva depicted >>> as Tazhuvakuzhainthaar Swami and Parvathi as Elavarkuzhali Amman. >>> >>> During Panguni Uthiram the sun rays fall directly on the Shiva linga. >>> >>> Sanctum for Lord Vishnu >>> >>> There is a small shrine for Vishnu named Nilathingal Thundam Perumal >>> temple inside the temple complex. *Vishnu is prayed as Vamana and the >>> shrine is hailed by the Alvar saints as one of the 108 Divya Desams*. >>> >>> Poojas >>> >>> The temple has six daily rituals at various times from 3:30~4:00 a.m. to >>> 8.30 p.m. >>> >>> The temple priest perform the pooja (rituals) during festivals and on a >>> daily basis. Like other Shiva temples of Tamil Nadu, the priests belong to >>> the Shaivaite community, a Brahmin sub-caste. The temple rituals are >>> performed six times a day; Ushathkalam at 5:30 a.m., Kalasanthi at 8:00 >>> a.m., Ucchikalam at 10:00 a.m., Sayarakshai at 6:00 p.m., Irandamkalam at >>> 8:00 p.m. and Ardha Jamam at 8.30 p.m. >>> >>> There are weekly rituals like somavaram and shukravaram, fortnightly >>> rituals like pradosham and monthly festivals like amavasai (new moon day), >>> kiruthigai, pournami and Chaturthi >>> >>> Festivals >>> >>> Twelve yearly festivals on its calendar. Panguni Uthiram festival >>> celebrated for thirteen days during the Tamil month of Panguni (March - >>> April) is the most prominent festival of the temple and the town. >>> >>> January- February Brahmotsavam, the golden car festival when Lord Shiva >>> is taken around the temple premises in a well decorated temple car. >>> >>> February- March Shivaratri Festival, great gathering of Shiva devotees. >>> >>> March- April Panguni Uthiram, the most important as per the Vedic >>> tradition. >>> >>> September- October Navaratri Festival >>> >>> The temple celebrates dozens of festivals throughout the year. The most >>> important of these is the Panguni Brahmotsavam that lasts ten days >>> during the Tamil month of Panguni, between March and April, concluding with >>> the celebration of Kalyanotsavam. The festival is the most popular of all >>> the temple festivals in Kanchipuram. During Brahmotsavam there are various >>> processions during the ten days with the festive images of presiding >>> deities of the temple carried in various mounts around the streets of the >>> temple. During the fifth day, Ekambareswarar is carried silver mount Nandi >>> during the morning and Ravaneswara Vahanam during the evening. The 63 >>> Nayanmars are taken in procession the sixth day morning, while >>> Ekambareswarar is carried on Silver car festival in the evening. Silver >>> Mavadi seva is performed on the ninth day. *On the concluding day, >>> Kalyanotsavam (marriage festival) is held when the marriage of >>> Ekambareswarar is enacted*. >>> >>> *During the day, many unmarried people get married irrespective of their >>> caste along with the deity.* The event is witnessed by thousands of >>> people every year >>> >>> Temple tree and specialty. >>> >>> The sthala-vriksham or temple tree is believed to be a 3,500-year-old >>> mango tree whose branches are said to yield four different types of mangoes >>> from its four branches. The mangoes are said to have different tastes, >>> such as sweet, sour, bitter, and astringent. The tree also symbolizes the >>> four Vedas, or the sacred scriptures of Hinduism. The tree is revered by >>> the devotees, who seek its blessings for fertility and prosperity. >>> >>> Religious significance of the temple >>> >>> Pancha Bhoota Sthalam refers to the five Shiva temples, each >>> representing the manifestation of the five prime elements of nature - land, >>> water, air, sky, fire.[21] Pancha indicates five, Bhoota means elements and >>> Stala means place. All these temples are located in South India with four >>> of these temples at Tamil Nadu and one at Andhra Pradesh. The five elements >>> are believed to be enshrined in the five lingams and each of the lingams >>> representing Shiva in the temple have five different names based on the >>> elements they represent. In the temple, *Shiva is said to have >>> manifested himself in the form of Prithvi Lingam.* >>> >>> Administration >>> >>> The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and >>> Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu. >>> >>> Music pillars >>> >>> The temple also has a unique feature called *the ten musical pillars, >>> which are located in the inner courtyard.* These pillars are made of >>> granite and produce different musical notes when tapped. The pillars also >>> have carvings of various musical instruments, such as the veena, the flute, >>> and the mridangam. The pillars are said to demonstrate the harmony and >>> diversity of Indian music. >>> >>> Dress code and manners >>> >>> Dress modestly and respectfully, as the city and the temple are >>> conservative and religious. Avoid wearing shorts, skirts, sleeveless tops, >>> or any revealing clothes. Wear comfortable and breathable clothes, such as >>> cotton or linen, and carry a scarf or a shawl to cover your head and >>> shoulders. Wear shoes that are easy to remove and wear, as you will have to >>> take them off before entering the temple. >>> >>> Follow the rules and etiquette of the temple, such as maintaining >>> silence, cleanliness, and decorum. *Do not touch or disturb the idols, >>> the priests, or the devotees.* Do not take photos or videos inside the >>> temple, unless you have permission. Do not carry any leather items, such as >>> belts, wallets, or bags, inside the temple. Do not consume any alcohol, >>> tobacco, or non-vegetarian food inside or near the temple premises. >>> >>> Address of the temple >>> >>> Ekambaranathar Sannidhi Street, Kanchipuram 631502 Tamil Nadu. >>> >>> Temple Timings >>> >>> The temple is open to worship during morning 06:00 am to 11:00 am and >>> evening 05:00pm to 08:00 pm. >>> >>> How to Reach the temple? >>> >>> By Air:The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport. After >>> getting down at Chennai grab a taxi or Government bus to Kanchipuram which >>> is 64 kms away. >>> >>> By Rail:The nearest railway station is Kanchipuram Railway Station. You >>> can catch trains from any part of the country which pass through >>> Kanchipuram. After getting down at Kanchipuram, grab an auto-rickshaw or >>> taxi to the temple. >>> >>> By Road:Tamil Government Buses to Kanchipuram are available from all the >>> parts of the Tamil Nadu state and also from major cities in South India. It >>> is 64 kms from Chennai which is the major city close to Kanchipuram from >>> where you get frequent buses to Kanchipuram. >>> >>> >>> >>> Compiled from different sources and posted by R. Gopalakrishnan on >>> 28-12-2025 >>> >>> -- >>> 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/1306273586.2508116.1766911530986%40mail.yahoo.com >>> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/1306273586.2508116.1766911530986%40mail.yahoo.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >>> . >>> >> -- >> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups >> "societyforservingseniors" 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/society4servingseniors/CAL5XZoqGRd7p6zB4wfY%2BOj4fcJgy45n_NYwfLEt5TJW88rHwdw%40mail.gmail.com >> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/society4servingseniors/CAL5XZoqGRd7p6zB4wfY%2BOj4fcJgy45n_NYwfLEt5TJW88rHwdw%40mail.gmail.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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