Sri Rangam or Koyil

The first and foremost among 108 Divya Desams is Srirangam. It is located on an island formed by the rivers Cauvery and Kolledam in Tiruchanapalli dist. of Tamilnadu. This temple is enormous in size and is the largest temple complex with 156 acres in extent, surrounded by seven concentric walls (the outermost wall having a perimeter of over 3 kilometers) and 21 gopurams. It has seven Prakarams or Tiru Vedees running around the sanctum. The total length of these seven walls is 32,592 feet, approximately around 9 Kms. There are magnificent towers in all Prakaras and the latest addition is the 236 feet high thirteen tiered Rajagopuram built at the southern rampart by the late 44th Jeeyar of Sri Ahobila Mutt.  The preceding deity at Srirangam is Lord Ranganathar in a reclining posture on Adeshesha. Lord Ranganathur Idol is not carved but appeared on its own. It is said that the deity faces south, instead of the traditional east, so as to face Vibhishana in Sri Lanka, to grace him and his kingdom. The sanctum (altar) faces south and the main entrance is also from the south (normally it is from the east). The consort of Lord ranganathar is Ranganayaki thayar. Ranganayaki Thayar has a sepearate shrine. The physical body of Ramanujar, who lived nearly 120 years, is still being preserved in a sitting posture in the sannidhi dedicated to him.
Shrines for all the Azhwars and Acharyas are also found within the temple precincts. There is a separate shrine for all the 10 avatars of Vishnu, making it first and oldest dasavathara temple. There also shrines for Rama, Hanuman, Krishna, Chakrathalvar, Guruda, Andal and Nachiyar. The Tank at the temple is known as Chandra pushkarani and the vimana is known as Pranavaakriti vimana. Above the main altar is the Sriranga-vimana (golden tower). On the four sides of the Ranga vimana are carvings of four forms of Lord Vishnu. On the south side is Para-Vasudeva, on the west is Acyuta, on the north Ananda, and on the east Govinda.
There is an interesting story attached to this temple. The glittering tower (vimana) sprung as a result of great penance by lord Brama who meditated in the depths of the Milky Ocean. Garuda carried this vimana while Adishesha spread his hood over it. Bramha found lord vishnu resting on Adeshesha, and he was informed by the lord himself that he has come on his own as an idol (swaymvyakta). He also informs that he will appear in similar way in 7 others places on earth. These 7 places are are Srimushnam, Venkatadri, Saligram, Naimisaranya, Thotadri, Pushkar and Badri. Brama took this idol and installed it at the banks of Viraja in styaloka. He appointed Lord Sun to perform daily pooja. This viman was later handed over to the king of Ayodhya who came from Iskwaku race or Surya Vamsha, as Brama was pleased by the king. The king took then took it to Ayodhya. People of Ayodhya and iswaku descendants worshiped this idol including Sri Rama. Sri Rama was himself an incarnation of lord vishnu hence to distinguish between these two incarnation of vishnu Lord Ranganathar Idol was known as ''Perya Perusal''.

As Vibeeshana had helped Lord Rama in finding Sita, to show his gratitude lord Rama gave away Lord Ranganathar's idol to vibheeshana for worship during lord Rama's coronation. When Vibeeshana set out for SRi Lankha He placed the idol on the Cauvery banks to perform his daily pooja. he placed the vimana at a place known as ''Shesha Peetam'' near Chandra-Pushkarani. After finishing his daily pooja, Vibeesha tried to lift the idol from the ground. He simply could not lift it. Vibeeshana was struck with great sorrow, however lord vishnu showed up and consoled Vibeeshana and informed that he loves this place very much. Vibeeshana could come and worship him daily said the lord. Even today, Vibeeshana worships the lord daily at midnight. For any Vishnavaite ''KOYIL'' means Srirangam Temple only. Also, Ramanujar looked after the administration in this temple and saw to it that great care was exercised in the matter of control of the temple affairs. Sri Ramanujacarya made the Srirangam Temple his headquarters. His samadhi (tomb) is within the premises of the Srirangam Temple When Ramanuja finished speaking, his disciples asked him that they would not be deprived of the sight of his transcendental form. Ramanuja accepted their request and ordered that expert sculptors be brought there to carve deity in his likeness. After three days the work was finished. Then the deity was bathed with water from the Kaveri river and installed upon newly constructed altar. Yatiraja then came slowly up to the deity and filled it with his potency by breathing into the crown of the head... All Azhwars except for Madura Kavi Azhwar have composed pastramis in praise of the lord Ranganathur. Vedanta Desk composed Paddock Sahasram (1008 slouches) in different metres. Array Sevai one of the ancient arts of rendering and expressing Naalaayira Divya prabhandam, in a dance form originated at this kshetram under the auspices of Nadamuni. This is one of the beautiful temple.

108 Divya Desam

Divya Desams are temples where Azhwars worshipped Lord Vishnu, as the presiding deity. The shrines where the divine saints Azhwars, said to be the Amsams of Sriman Narayanan, have sung - Mangalaasaasanam  - are called Divya Desams. There are 108 Divya Desams, and of these 105 are located in India and 1in Nepal, the remaining two - Parama padam and Thiruppaarkadal - are in the celestial world. Nityasuris or Divyasuris are those who reside permanently with the Lord in His Heavenly abode. They have incarnated as Azhwars - Vasihnavite Saints - to propagate Bhakthi Marga, devotion to Lord Vishnu.

The Twelve Azhwars are:

POIGAI AZHWAR     Period 7th Century AD (Kanchipuram)
BHOOTHATH AZHWAR   Period 7th Century AD  (Mahabalipuram)
PEI AZHWAR   Period 7th Century AD   (Mylapore)

Poigai Azhwar, Bhootath Azhwar and Pei Azhwar are collectively called as Mudhal Azhwars.

TIRUMAZHISAI AZHWAR   7th Century AD (Thirumazhisai)
TIRUMANGAI AZHWAR   8th Century AD (Thiru Kurayalur)
TONDARADIPODI AZHWAR   8th Century AD (Thirumandangudi)
TIRUPPAN AZHWAR    8th Century AD  (Uraiyur)
KULASEKHARA AZHWAR     8th Century AD  (Thirvanjikkolam)
PERIYAAZHWAR     9th Century AD (Sri Villiputhur)
SRI ANDAAL    9th Century AD (Sri Villiputhur)
NAMMAAZHWAR    9th Century AD Azhwar Thirunagari (Kurugoor)
MADHURAKAVI AZHWAR      9th Century AD (Thirukollur )

For the convenience of the Devotees, these Divya kshetrams are tabled into the following
groups, identifying the nearest towns with the basic facilities of Boarding/Lodging and
Transport.

1. Chola Naattu Tirupathigal
2. Nadu Naattu Tirupathigal
3. Thondai Naattu Tirupathigal
4. Vada Naattu Tirupathigal
5. Malai Naattu Tirupathigal
6. Pandiya Naattu Tirupathigal

Chola Naattu Tirupathigal (40)
 Travel Base: Tiruchi
1. KOYIL - Thiruvarangam (Srirangam)
 2. Tirukkozhi (Urayur)
 3. Tirukarambanur (Uttamar Koil)
 4. Tiruvellarai
 5. Tiruvanbil
 6. Tirupper nagar (Koviladi Appakkudathan)

   Travel Base: Thanjavur, Kumbakonam, Mayiladudurai

 7. Tirukkandiyur
 8. Tirukkoodaloor (Aaduthurai Perumal Koyil)
 9. Kapisthalam – ( Krishnaranya Kshetram)
 10. Tiruppullambhootangudi
 11. Tiru Aadanoor
 12. Tiru Kudandai (Kumbakonam - Bhaskara Kshetram)
 13. Thiruvinnagar (Uppiliappan Koyil - Markandeya Kshetram)
 14. Tirunaraiyur (Naachiyaar Koyil)
 15. Tirucherai (Pancha Sara Kshetram)
 16. Tirukkannamangai (Krishna Mangala Kshetram)
 17. Tiru Kannapuram
18. Tirukannankudi (Krishnaaranya Kshetram)

 19. Tiru Naagai (Nagappattinam)
 20. Tanjai Maamanikkoyil
 21. Tirunandipura Vinnagaram (Dakshina Jagannatham)
 22. Tiruvelliyankudi
 23. Tiruvazhundur
24. Tiruchirupuliyur
 25. Talaichchanga Naanmadiyam (Talaisangaadu)
 26. Tiru Indhallur

Travel Base: Mayiladudurai, Chidambaram

 27. Tirunangur  (Tirukavalampaadi)
 28. Tirukazhicheerama Vinnagaram (Sirkazhi)
 29. Tiru Arimeya Vinnagaram
 30. Tiruvanpurushottamam
 31. Tirusemponsei Koyil
 32. Tiru Manimaada koyil
 33. Tiru Vaikuntha Vinnagaram
 34. Tiruvaali and Tirunagari
 35. Tiru Devanaar Togai
 36. Tiruttetriambalam
 37. Tirumanikkoodam
 38. Tiruvellakkulam
 39. Tiruppaartanpalli
 40. Tiruchitrakootam (Chidambaram)

Nadu Naattu Tirupathigal (2)

41. Tiruvahindrapuram
 42. Tirukkovilur

Thondai Naattu Tirupathigal (22)
Travel Base: Kanchipuram

 43. Tirukachchi – (Hasthigiri)
 44. Ashtabhujakaram
 45. Tiruttankaa - Tooppul
 46. Tiruvellukai
 47. Tiruneeragam
 48. Tirupaadakam
 49. Tirunilaathingal Tundam
 50. Tiru Ooragam
 51. Tiruvegka
 52. Tirukkarakam
 53. Tirukaarvanam
 54. Tirukkalvanoor
 55. Tiruppavalavannam
 56. Parameswara Vinnagaram
 57. Tiruputkuzhi

Travel Base: Chennai
 58. Tirunindravur
 59. Tiruvallur (Thiru Evvullur)
 60. Tiruvallikkeni
61. Tiruneermalai
62. Tiruvidandai
 63. Tirukadalmallai(Mahabalipuram)
 64. Tirukkadigai (Sholangipuram)

Vada Naattu Tirupathigal (11)  - Andhra Pradesh / UP / Gujarat / Nepal

 65. Tiruayoddhi (Ayodhya - U.P.)
 66. Tiru Naimisaranyam (U.P.)
 67. Tiruppirudi (Nanda Prayag – U.P)
 68. Tirukkandam (Deva Prayag – U.P)
 69. Tiruvadariyasramam (Badrinath – U.P)
 70. Tiruchalagramam (Salagramam- Nepal)
 71. Tiruvadamadurai – (Mathura U.P.)
 72. Tiruvaipadi (Gokulam - U.P.)

 73. Tiru Dwarakai (Dwaraka - Gujarat)
 74. Singavelkunram (Ahobilam - A.P.)
 75. Tiruvenkatam (Tirumala/Tirupathi - A.P.)

   Malai Naattu Tirupathigal (13)
   Travel Base: Trivandrum, Kanyakumari
76. Tirunaavaya (Tirunaavai)
 77. Tiruvithuvakodu
 78.  Tirukkakkarai (Tirukatkarai)
 79. Tirumoozhikkalam
 80. Tiruvallavazh (Thiruvalla)
 81. Tirukodittanam
 82. Tiruchengannur
 83. Thiruppuliyur (Kuttanadu)
 84. Thiruvaaranvilai (Aaranmula)
 85. Tiruvanvandur (Tiruvanvandoor)
 86. Tiruvananthapuram
 87. Tiruvattaaru
 88. Thiruvanparisaram

Pandiya Naattu Tirupathigal (18)
Travel Base: Tirunelveli

 89. Tirukkurungudi
 90. Tiruchireevaramangai (Vanamamalai)
 91. Tiru Vaikuntam (Srivaikuntam)
 92. Tiruvaragunamangai (Nattham)
 93. Tiruppulinkudi
 94. Thirutholaivillimangalam (Irattai Tirupathi)
 95. Tirukkulandai (Perunkulam)
 96. Tirukkolur
 97. Tirupperai
 98. Tirukkurugur (Azhwar Tirunagari)
 99. Tiruvilliputtur (Srivilliputhur)
Travel Base: Madurai

 100. Tirutthangal
 101. Tirukoodal
 102. Tirumaaliruncholai
 103. Tirumogur
 104. Tirukkottiyur
 105. Tirupullani
 106. Tirumayam

 Vinnulagam (Celestial) (2)
 107. Tiruppaarkadal (Sheerasagaram)
 108. Tiru Paramapadham (Vaikuntam)

The presiding deities in these Divya Desams are found in various Thirukkolams (postures)
Kidantha Thirukkolam (Sleeping posture) in 27 Divyadesams
Veetrirundha Thirukkolam (Sitting posture) in 21 Divyadesams
Nindra Thirukkolam (Standing posture) in 60 Divyadesams

Vanchinathar Temple

One of the unique temples on the banks of cauvery is Sri Vanjiyam Temple or Vannjinathar temple. The presiding deity here is Vanchinathar (shiva) in Swayumbu linga form. Vanchinathar means compassionate shiva. This temple is located 35 kms from Kumbokona dist in Tamil Nadu. This is one of the 6 shivastalams on the banks of cauvery. The six shivastalams are Tiruvengaadu, Tiruvaiyaaru, Chaayaavanam, Mayiladuthurai, Tiruvidaimarudur and Tiruvanchiam.


Sri Vannjiyam place is also known as ''purva janma paavam parihara stala''. Visiting this temple helps in absolving ones curse, sins committed either knowingly or unknowingly in ones past lives. This place is in par with Kasi. Visiting this place once is equivalent to visiting Kasi 100 times. The Ganga in Kasi has 1000 years and this 1000 years is known as 1 yuga, the current yuga running is Kali yuga. In kali yuga people are corrupted, more over sins committed by the ancestors are passed on to the succeeding generations which has adverse effects on them-pushing them to commit more sins!
                                                  
Looking at the plight of the people in Kali yuga, Ganga Devi approaches Lord shiva in Kasi for a solution. Lord shiva advises her to leave one humsam in kasi and the remaining 999 humsam (disposition) at this place. The Ganga here is known as Gupta Ganga. In any shivites temple the first shrine to be visited is Lord Ganesha, however here it is Yema Dharmaraya. Yema is the lord of death who decides hell and heaven according to ones good and bad deeds. People fear him. Yema was very worried that he might have accumulated a lot of sins 'coz of his nature of work.

 In order to find a solution and liberation from all his sins, he visits more than 150  shiva stalams. However, he is not granted Moksham. While he was meditating at Thiruvayur- he receives a divine message that he will be liberated from his sins at Sri Vanjiyam shetram. He sat for penance and meditated for years. Finally, on one fine day in Masi-Bharani (Masi is a tamil month which comes in mid-February to Mid March, and bharani is one of the 27 stars), Lord Shiva shows up. Impressed by Yema's bhakthi, Lord shiva grants his wish. Yema's wish was that people should not fear him, and the devotees should first visit his shrine instead of usual lord Ganesha's shrine.

 DharmaRaja at his shrine is in the form of lord Shiva, next to him is a Nandhi(ox) is Shiva's vahanam, next to Nandhi is Chitra Gupta. Chitra Gupta is the assistant to Yema and also official ledger keeper, he writes down every ones good and bad deeds and reads it out during ones judgement day! Yema was very pleased by lord shiva, and offers to be lord shiva and Parvathi's vahanam on every Masi Barani.

The presiding deity is swayumbu Shiva linga. Some 2600 years before the linga was facing west, even the temple was facing west. During that time a major earth quake destroyed all the temples in the region, however this temple is not destroyed. saints and sages were puzzled as how this temple was saved. They soon realize that during the earth rotation, shiva linga was turned to east along with the earth; hence saving from the earth quake. As an evidence you will find lord shiva and nandhi facing at one particular direction; normally shiva and nandhi face each other. This isn't a myth, even today people can find the evidence.  Arathi is shown both sides of lord shiva linga. This place is also known to cure the rarest of rare disease.

There is another interesting story as why this place is known as Sri Vanjiyam. ''Sri'' means Laxhmi who is the goddess of wealth and also the wife of Maha Vishnu. During one conversation a small misunderstanding arises between Mahalaxshmi and vishnu.  Maha Vishnu angers Maha MahaLaxhmi and Mahalaxshmi comes to this place. MahaLaxmi reaches out to Lord shiva with her problem. Lord shiva helps in bringing them together hence this place is also known as Sri Vanjiyam. The goddess here is known as Mangalambikai. She is worshiped as Durga in the morning, as Mahalaxshmi in the evening and after 6 pm she is worshipped as Saraswathi (goddess of knowledge). There are separate shrine for mahalaxmi and for Mahishasuramardhini(Durga). Worshipping Her with 108 lotus flowers during Rahu kalam is considered special. The swayumbu lingam is worshiped with sandalwood leaves instead of usual vilvam (wood apple tree leaves!).

The major attraction here is that there are no navagrahas in this temple and Saneeswaran (Saturn) is housed in a separate niche. There is a separate shrine for Bhairavar.  Bhairavar is in yoga posture, without his usual mount, the dog, is another rare feature of this temple. Next to the shrine of Bhairavar is the shrine for Rahu-kethu, both carved out in one composite sculpture which is another unique feature of this temple. Milk poured over this Rahu-Kethu sculpture turns blue. Performing prayers and worship at this shrine are said to bless devotees with marriage and progeny and cure nervous disorders.    
            
The 3 sacred tanks at Tiruvanchiam temple - Lakshmi Theeratham, Naga Theeratham and Chakra Theeratham - were created by MahaLakshmi, Adiseshan and Chakrathazhwar. A holy dip in Lakshmi Theeratham is said to reunite a person with his estranged family. A holy dip in Naga Theeratham is said to liberate one of all Naga Doshas. It is said that by taking a holy dip in Chakra Theeratham, one is absolved of Brahmahatti dosham.

This is one of the largest temples in Tanjavur. Visiting this temple is not an easy task. Only if you're destined to you can visit this temple! Plan a trip to this temple, it is one of the few places where you can wash away with all your sins.

Jayaveera Abhayahastha Anjaneya Temple

I dedicate this stala puranam in my mom's memory. She grew up in this same place and every time I  hear about this temple it reminds me of her. I love you mum, you take care and do remember you're the best \m/

Sri Jayaveera Abhayahastha Anjaneya temple, at Krishnapuram, near Kadayanallur ... a holy spot that dates back to the Ramayana.

Devotees of Lord Anjaneya, the temple dedicated to the `Son of Vaayu Bhagawan' at Krishnapuram, near Kadayanallur, in Tirunelveli district comes first, The sthalapuranam of the temple is interesting as Sri Anjaneya himself is said to have visited the place during the time of the Ramayana. The six feet high, south-facing Anjaneya at this temple attracts devotees from all parts of Tamil Nadu, who believe that miracles happen in their life within a short period of their visit. The temple situated in the middle of paddy field.

After Ravana abducted Sita, Sri Rama sought the help of Sugriva, the king of Kishkinta, to locate the whereabouts of his beloved wife. And Sugriva, who had returned to power with the help of Sri Rama, sent his forces in all directions. Sri Anjaneya, led a mighty team to the South, with a ring given by Rama. Before the large contingent left Kishkinta in search of Sita, Sugriva asked his friends to return home after a month without fail, so that the next course of action can be designed according to the information gathered during the first phase of the mission.

Except the contingent that left under the leadership of Anjaneya, all the other groups returned to Kishkinta after a month-long search operation that was in vain.Though Anjaneya was not able to collect any vital clues that would lead them to Sita, he moved ahead with the hope of getting useful information about her. They reached a desert-like area after they crossed Vindhya Hills and being famished and thirsty, they began to frantically look for food and water. Then Anjaneya found some birds coming out of a cave looking wet and led his forces to the cave. Inside the cave, they saw a beautiful city, and a meditating tapasvini - Swayamprabha - sitting at the centre.

Sri Anjaneya told her about the purpose of his mission and Swayamprabha offered them fruit and water
and told Him the story of the city, which was built by Mayan. Mayan was later killed by Lord Indra, as the architect had committed a sin. Indra, who had to take a holy dip after killing Mayan, prayed to Lord Siva who, in turn, sent a branch of the Ganges to the place. "I was asked to stay here till your visit here. Now it's time for me to leave this place," she said. But Sri Anjaneya asked her to remain there since he had to find Sita.

After Sita was found and rescued by Sri Rama, He, along with Sri Anjaneya came to the place again and Swayamprabha handed over the regime to Sri Anjaneya and left the place. The place, which was then ruled over by Sri Anjaneya, is now called Krishnapuram. The beautiful temple, sitting pretty amidst a paddy field, attracts every passer-by. The actual date of construction of the temple is not known as it dates back to the period of Sri Rama and is now known as Sri Abhayahastha Jayaveera Anjaneya temple.

In sudarakandam Hanuman is described as one for whom nothing is impossible and who is the embodiment of faith, devotion, loyalty to the master, fearlessness and self confidence. Success is the outcome of an attitude like this. If we want to be successful in life we have to combine the above qualities.

This particular Kandam is very important for each one of us because it really enlightens us in our spiritual quest. Hanuman is the awakened soul, Jambavan is the enlightened teacher, the vast ocean is the samasara which each one of us wishes to cross. We have to struggle to overcome the worldly sorrows which form the obstacles. We may not be always successful in this effort; but if we are undaunted and we have faith in GOD then we will at the end discover divinity which is manifested in Sita Devi

Jayaveera Abhayastha Anjeneyar kovil-Part 3
The actual date of construction of the temple is not known as it dates back to the period of Sri Rama and is now known as Sri Abhayahastha Jayaveera Anjaneya temple. An awesome spectacle ... the 77ft. Anjaneya statue at Sri Raja Rajeswari temple at Deivaseyalpuram.
The entrance to the cave, which is in a damaged condition, can be seen inside the temple tank even now. Another cave leads to the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. As Rama visited the place with Sri Anjaneya, they reportedly performed a special yagna before establishing their regime there.

Now, the idols of Sri Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Anjaneya have been installed at the spot where they actually performed yagna. Besides attracting a large crowd, even from distant places every Saturday, the temple has also become a place of worship for Muslims, who visit the temple to offer special prayers and pujas. "As this temple has become a symbol of secularism, special prayers and pujas are performed during Ramzan and Christmas," says K.P. Raman, a retired teacher of Krishnapuram, who gave his land for the construction of a concrete path to the temple, from the nearby road. The temple premises has samadhis of five sadhus. The temple administration has constructed a Thulasi maadam and planted a Vilvamaram, near these samadhis. The holy place had geared up in full swing for Hanuman Jayanthi that fell on January 2. Devotees can reach the small village, so close to the Western Ghats, via Tenkasi or Sankarankoil. Sri Anjaneya devotees can also visit Sri Rajarajeswari temple at Deivaseyalpuram on the Tirunelveli-Tuticorin highway, to have a glimpse of the 77ft statue of Sri Anjaneya, the tallest one for Him in Tamil Nadu.

Source :http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/fr/2003/01/03/stories/2003010301510800.htm

Mukteeshwara

This is a Shiva Temple. Mukteeshwara is composed of ''Mukthi'' means liberation from samsara and the concomitant suffering involved in being subject to the cycle of repeated death and rebirth (reincarnation). Eshwara meaning controller or the Supreme controller here it means Lord Shiva. This temple is located in Murugamalla of Chinthamani Taluk, Chikkabalapura dist. in Karnataka. The temple is located at the top of a mountain ( made out of only rocks) This place is also called Baradwaja Shetra. Baradwaja is one of the greatest Hindu sages (Maharshis), descendant of rishi Angirasa, whose accomplishments are detailed in the Puranas. He is one of the Saptarshis (Seven Great Sages Rishi) in the present Manvantara; with others being Atri, Vashishtha, Vishvamitra, Gautama, Jamadagni, Kashyapa. This temple is many 1000 years old. The shiva linga here was worshipped by the great sage Baradwaja many thousand years ago.

There is a cave below the temple. This cave was used by many saints and sages to attain Siddhi and Mukthi. Siddhi in sanskrit means ''Perfection'', ''accomplishment'' , ''attainment'', or ''success''. As a result even today one can find human remains in this cave.  These remains are believed to be that of saints and sages. This place attracted many saints and sages, and still does. One of the very well know sages who made this place his home was Bardwaja Maha rushi. This whole area is known as Baradwaja Shetra. Through his divine knowledge Baradwaja realized the significance and importance of this place and migrated here with his parents. Baradwaja Maha rushi used this very same cave to meditate. Through his yogic knowledge, his soul travelled to Kasi every day and took bath at the holy Ganges river.  When his parents were bed ridden, he could not go to Kashi and his routine was broken. Sensing his difficulty, Ganges showed up to Bardwaja Muni at the cave (where he meditates) making it easy for him. Upon her order, a spring popped from the underground. And Baradwaja Munni used this spring to bathe from then on. This spring water never wizens up and it possesses medicinal properties too. There are several witnesses and recipients whose rarest disease have been cured with this spring water. The water here is known as ''servaroganivahrini''. This small temple was recently renovated by some good samaritans from Bangalore. There is a mukthi mutt located at the foot of the hill. The spring waters from the cave flows throw virabadreshwara swamy's feet and then through the help of Nandhi, it reaches the temple pond. And for many 1000s years this is how the water (ganges) flow from the caves to the pond. The water has never wizened up in the past and will not in the future too. Baradwaja maha rushi worshipped ''sapta matrikeyars ''( 7 mothers). Even today these idols are worshipped in the caves by the devotees. People who are the victims of black magic and other witch crafts can get rid of their spell here (at the 7 mothers sanidhi) all they need to do is bring tiny small black bangles and keep them in front of the idols, and pray to the Sapta Matrikeyars. Even monthly period problems for women will be cured here all by praying sincerely and taking the ganges water as medicine. The entire Baradwaja place is divine as Mukteeshwaras divine energy is spread through out!

This place is free of communal violence and is known for its communal harmony, in fact people from muslim community too are devotees. There are two Dargas located at close proximity to this temple. For the annual sandalwood festival at Abbajan and Ammajan Dargas the water used to make the sandalwood paste comes from this temple. This has been the practice for many decades. Also, muktheeshwara promptly shows up in some muslim devotees dream, and summons to visit the temple. And Muslim devotees promptly show up at the temple, and seek lords blessings by offering prayers to Mukteeshwara.

In order to make your wish come true, devotees are asked to tie 1 Re or 11 Rs (coins) in a piece of red cloth and later tied to stala virkusham or temple tree ( temple trees varies from temple to temple). The temple tree at mukteeshwara is ''hatthi'' mara (sorry, I do not know the english name for this tree). Before tying it to the tree, one has to hold it in the hand and pray to the god with complete faith and then tie it to the tree. There are many people whose wishes and prayers have been answered.

This temple is not too far from Bangalore. And also, if you're not able to visit Kashi for what ever reason, you may get a glimpse of ganges here at Mukteeshwara temple. Why wait, visit this temple whenever you can and seek the blesings of lord shiva.

Shambo Mahadeva!

Kurudumale Ganesha

This is has to be one of my favorite temple stories so far. This temple is very unique from the rest of the temple stories that we know. To begin with, its massive saligrama Ganesha Idol. The Ganesh Idol here is at least 12 feet long and 6 to 7 feet in width. This is a unique Lord Ganesha statue. This temple is located in Kurudumale in Mulabagalu taluk of Kolar district in Karnataka. The interesting fact about this temple is, that it is built of a single rock without any foundation.  The Ganesha idol here is considered to be very powerful. Many people start new jobs or new work only after taking the blessing of Lord Ganesha. There are no other saligrama Ganesha idol as big as this anywhere on this earth!

Lord Ganesh is one of the best-known and most widely worshipped deities in the Hindu pantheon. Ganesha is widely revered as the Remover of Obstacles and more generally as Lord of Beginnings and Lord of Obstacles (Vighnesha, Vighneshvara), patron of arts and sciences, and the deva of intellect and wisdom. He is honored at the beginning of rituals and ceremonies and invoked as Patron of Letters during writing sessions.

This Ganesha Idol was established by the trinities (of hinduism) such as Bhrama-God of Creation,  Vishnu-God of Protection, and Shiva-God of destruction  in Satya Yuga to destroy the demon TRIPURASURA. Yuga is the name of an 'epoch' or 'era' within a cycle of four ages. These are the Satya Yuga (or Krita Yuga), the Treta Yuga, the Dvapara Yuga and finally the Kali Yuga.  We are in Kali yuga. Tripurasura was an asura(demon) who tormented people, saints , sages demigods, gods in Krita or Satya yoga. He who inhabited Tripura, a mythological triplet fortress made of iron, silver and gold constructed by Mayasura.  From a boon he had grown very powerful and gods could not destroy him. However his end would come from a bachelor who enters wedlock, yet lives a celibate life! All the gods came together formed  shakthis known as Siddhi and Buddhi (vruddhi in north India)  as Lord Ganesha's brides. Lord Ganesha married both Siddhi and buddhi in the presence of all, and later the shakthis turned into his weapons. Lord Ganesha holds these weapons in his hands, always. Meanwhile Tripurasura roams freely causing all the mayhem and chaos around the world. His end is by this Lord Ganesha in Kaliyuga!

As Hindu trinity established this idol, the place came to known as kotadri, and the hill in which it is located is known as ''Kootamale'.' However, over the years it became kurudumale, a very rude form to say. This saligrama Ganesha Idol is the epicenter of all positive energy. This energy is omnipresent, and indestructible. This energy can create any sort of miracle. This idol is being worshipped from past four yugas. Another speciality of this idol is no matter how far you stand and view, the idol only grows bigger and bigger! Something even eye physicians cannot give a conclusive explanation! This is the same idol lord Rama first worshipped in treta yuga before fighting Ravana. Rama emerges victorious and rescues his wife Sita, who was held captive by Ravana! In Dawapara yuga, Sri Krishna worshiped this Ganesha in order to get rid of shamantha kamaniya's curse. The spell is removed and Krishna is absolved of his curse. In fact, this is the same temple where Pandavas visited before they went to war with Kuravas, the former emerge victorious and regains their kingdom! In Kaliyuga, Krishna Devaraya of vijayanagara dynasty understood its importance after lord ganesh show up in his dreams and requested a temple  to be built around the idol with meticulous details depicting its importance. Today, one can find fine stone carvings etched on the temple pillars depicting the stories of Lord Rama, and Lord Krishna.

The basic belief here is anyone who comes to this temple and worship with clean heart before beginning any work; he is sure to taste success in all his endeavors! Not only it has rich mythological history to it, even today one can find a lot of paranormal activities in and around the temple. Koundanya Munni one of the sapta Rushis comes every day to this temple, and sings in praise of lord Ganesha! It is believed that Koundanya rushi is still residing in the nearby caves. These caves are accessible to public! This Ganesh is  worshiped by koundanya rushi every day at midnight. Not only Koundaniya munni but also other gods and demigods visit this place every night. People here have reported many tiny lights hovering above, and also have heard a lot of varieties of music, prayers.  ''OM'' is resonated very loudly in the night and no one knows the sources of it. Also, one can find a lot of yagna kundalam! This place is very sacred. Anyone who occupies temple property illegally or indulge in money laundering, death be upon him. During Ratha sapthami, many lights travel from the nearby mountain towards the temple. These lights take a round about and travel back to the mountain. This happens every year and there are many witnesses to this phenomenon! You may catch a glimpse of it, if you are lucky enough.

This is a favorite temple for politicians, many politicians come here to get Ganesha's blessing. All their prayers have been answered. This place is closer to Bangalore.

Madeshwara of Kodi Mutt

What  happens if you dump organic waste in a 10x10 pit which is approximately 10 feet deep for 364 days?  The organic waste would rot after sometime. Well, this is what is expected, however this particular place has an exception. The food do not rot, the leaves which are used as a substitute for plates do. Yes, today I'm going to talk about this sacred place which is revered as on of the holiest places, in-fact it is believed that Lord shiva was very found of this place and he even established a Mutt here. Madeshwara Linga at Kodi mutt in Arasikare taluk of Hassana Dist in karnataka state is the one of the holiest places in Karnataka. Lord Shiva frequently visited this place to meditate. In fact the pit is considered as the epicenter of ''Shivashakthi'' energy.  This pit is located at the banks of a serene lake. People believe that many 1000s years ago, Lord Shiva and his wife Parvathi were here and used this place to carry their good work. Lord shiva here is known as Madeshwara, and the Mutt that he established is called Kodi Mutt. A maţha (also written math,  matha or mutt) is a term for monastic and similar religious establishments of the Hindu tradition.A maţha is usually more formal, hierarchical, and rule-based than an ashram. Lord shiva in order to help the devotees initiated the Temple festival called ''Madeshwarana jatre''.

Temple festivals are the most important part of any Hindu community. Typically a temple festival consist of Chariot pulling where in the main idol is decorated, and carefully placed at the centre of the chariot. The chariot is then pulled with ropes, and made to come across the streets, and depending up the place there may be different ways of celebrating it. In some places it is celebrated  by throwing bananas at the chariot, and sometimes rock-salt and pepper corns are offered to the chariot. These Chariots are of different sizes and made up of different metals ranging from  wood/silver to gold! Most common ones are made of wood.

The madeswarana Jathre is quite different in almost every aspect. The pontiff of Kodi Mutt gets a divine message from lord shiva  to make arrangements for the Jatre. He sees Shiva Saligrama in his dreams. The message is then communicated to the devotees. This has been the tradition for ages to commemorate the initiation of Jatre.  The pit is cleaned on the previous day of the Jatre. On the same night, lamps are lit in rows. Randomly they dig the ground away from the lake,  and water gushes out devotees call this as Ganga named after ganges. After performing prayers, the ganga water is then collected inside the madeshwara linga (from kodi mutt). Once the water is collected, the linga is tightened to the base, securing the water inside.  The Madeshwara linga is taken from the Kodi Mutt, and is established closer to the the pit, under a temporary shed. Madeshwara is decorated will all sort of fowers, fruits and mantras are recited. All the devotees carry  pot of fire on their head and come around in circle around a iron pole. This tradition exists from centuries.  Devotees carry the pot of fire as gesture to thank Madeshwara for all the blessings received and to ensure that they are protected from evil and bad lucks. There are certain rules called ''Vrath''to be followed before one goes for the ''hot-pot''. Women are given priorities, and they are the first to worship. Married women perform Gowri Pooja (or prayer) for the long life and well being of their husbands. The food offered to god also known as prasadam is first shared with the women devotees. Yummy , scrumptious feast (everything vegetarian) is prepared for the devotees and served in  leaf plates.

The waste is then dumped in to this pit, if there is no waste people cook all over again and dump it in to this pit. In fact people wash their hands inside this pit. Once everything is done, the pit is then closed with huge rocks and the gaps are sealed with wet clay. It is opened only in next jathre i.e, almost 364 days later. They open the pit only once in a year. And every time they open it, in the mist of decayed leaf plates one can find, fresh, hot steamy food. Yes, food do not go rotten or stale. Everything is fresh, and hot as if it was just out of oven. Science has not able to explain as how this is possible, people here believe it is the holiest place. And all our prayers are answered in no time. There are many devotees whose story would make ones hair on the back stand straight, everything here seems to be carried out by divine interventions!

This should be one of your must see places in Karnataka. This place isn't far from Sringeri sharadhamba Temple.