Gaudar Gudi Temple, Aihole, Karnataka..

Gaudar Gudi Temple, Aihole, Karnataka..
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The Gaudar Gudi (Gowda) Temple is dedicated to the goddess Bhagavathi (Durga). This temple was constructed well before 700AD. It sits on a very high base, with plain pillars supporting the roof. A simple, repetitive water- pot design on the balustrade is the extent of decoration. Along the open mandapa, balcony seating has been provided.

Aatcheeswarar Temple, Achiruppakkam, TN...

Sri Aatcheeswarar Temple, Achiruppakkam, TN...The temple has two presiding deities Atcheeswarar and Umai Atcheeswarar gracing the devotees from two separate sanctum sanctorums. Also, two Mother-Goddesses Ilangili Ammai and Umayambigai grace from their respective sanctums. Lord Shiva is a Swayambumurthi. Saivite Saint Tirunavukkarasar mentions this temple in Kshetra Kovai hymns. Saint Gnanasambandar has praised this temple in his Thevaram hymns. Demons Tharaka and Vidyunmali destroyed by Lord Shiva are the Dwarapalakas. Meditation Nandhi is before Umai Atcheeswarar shrine.
Prayer to Lord Atchipureeswarar would elevate the devotee to ruling position with management abilities. Also as the Lord is in the form ‘Letters – Akshara’ the devotee will shine in education. Participation in the special pujas would relieve the devotees from various doshas following them from birth to birth and also remove obstacles in the way of professional progress and ensure peace of mind.

Baba Garibdas Temple, Raipur Maida, Himachal Pradesh near Bhakra Dam....

Baba Garibdas Temple, Raipur Maida, Himachal Pradesh near Bhakra Dam....

Someswara Temple, Kolar, Karnataka..

Sri Someswara Temple, Kolar, Karnataka..
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The Someshwara temple, situated in Kolar town of Karnataka state, is an ornate 14th century Vijayanagara era Dravidian style construction. Someshwara, another name for the Hindu god Shiva is the presiding deity in the temple.The temple is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India as a monument of national importance.
The temple is more rich in finish and detail. The temple is noted for its tall superstructure (gopuram) over the main entrance (mahadwara).

Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, Bangalore..

Meenakshi Sundareshwar Temple is located at a distance of 15 km from Bangalore. This temple is one of the important temples of Bangalore situated at Hulimavu in Bannerghatta Main Road. The Meenakshi Sundareshwar temple is beautiful temple with a beautiful Tower (Gopura) which resembles the very old Tamilnadu temples. The temple is a miniature version of the original temple at Madurai, Tamilnadu.

The temple also houses shrines to Lord Ganesha, Lord Subramanya, Lord Venkateshwara and Lord Ayyappa. You can also see a large space for Navagrahas (Nine Planets).

The devotees can find a very peaceful place in this temple.
For Bangaloreans, who want to spend some divine moments at a temple that provokes divinity, the Meenakshi Sundareshwar temple at Bannerghatta Road is a must go.

Thimmaraya Swamy Temple, Anekal, Karnataka..

Sri Thimmaraya Swamy Temple, Anekal, Karnataka..
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Sri Thimmaraya Swamy temple, at Anekal near Bangalore has Lord Venkateswara as presiding diety. This murthy is udhbhavamurthy "swayambhu".
This is very ancient temple. Cholas and Vijayanagara Kings made additions to this temple.

Why I love VEDAS?

Why I love VEDAS?.
- Because they says men and women have equal social, political, spiritual rights
- Because they says education of women is even more important than education of men since they are first teachers of child
- Because they say women must be provided complete autonomy and adequate protection should be made for their safety
- Because they are severely against any demeaning notion of women being inferior to men intellectually or otherwise
- Because they are completely against the evil of polygamy
- Because they extol entire humanity to accord motherly respect to all women
- Because they say that no noble mission is complete without participation of women
-Because I have read NO BETTER BOOKS on Women Rights & Genuine Feminism than VEDAS

We ourselves promise and appeal to all to completely reject all those texts, scriptures, ideologies, philosophies, customs, rituals, traditions, cultures, beliefs that have slightest smell of discrimination against women.

That alone is religion for us which has absolutely zero discrimination and equal social, political, spiritual, religious rights for women.

Bhairavnath Temple. Kilkali..

 Before Renovation

After Renovation

Sri Bhairavnath Temple, Kilkali...
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This is an ancient temple. Photographs before and after renovation. Thanks to ASI.

Trailokeswara Temple, Pattadkal, Karnataka...

Sri Trailokeswara Temple, Pattadkal, Karnataka...
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This temple, called Sri Trailokeswara Maha Saila Prasada in an inscription was built around 740 A.D. by one of the Queen, Trailokyamahadevi of Vikramaditya II (733-45 A.D.) to commemorate her husband’s victory over the Pallavas of Kanchipuram.
In general appearance and style it resembles the Virupaksha temple built for the same purpose, at the same time, and most probably by the same guild of architects. 
Even in its ruined state, the well conceived and skillfully executed Nandi-mandapa presents an elegant piece of architecture. Lord Nataraja is depicted in the shallow arch of the sukanasa of this temple.

Sri Chamundeswari Temple, Mysore...

Sri Chamundeswari Temple, Mysore...
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Named after goddess Chamundi, the Chamundeshwari Temple sits atop the main hill. The main hill itself features an ancient stone stairway of 1,008 steps leading to its summit. Approximately halfway to the summit is statue of bull Nandi, the vahana, or "vehicle" of Lord Shiva, which is 4.9m tall and 7.6m long and carved out of a single piece of black granite. Around this point, the steps become significantly less steep and eventually the climber is rewarded with a panoramic view of the city.

The Temple has a quadrangular structure. A key feature is the statue of Mahishasura bearing a sword in his right hand and a cobra in the left. Within the temple's sanctum stands a sculpted depiction of Chamundeshwari. She is seated with her right heel pressed against the lowest of the seven chakras. This cross-legged yogic posture echoes the posture of Lord Shiva. Worshipers believe that this powerful yogic posture, if mastered, provides an added dimensional view of the universe.

Since the early days of the Maharajahs of Mysore, the idol of goddess Chamundi has been carried on a decorated elephant as part of the celebrations in the annual Dusshera festival.

From the peak of the Chamundi hills, the Mysore Palace, the Karanji Lake and several smaller temples are visible.

Yamraj Temple, Bharmour, Himachal Pradesh...

 Yamraj Temple, Bharmour, Himachal Pradesh...

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There is one temple in this world where every person on this Earth has to visit, if not in life, then after death. This temple is of Yamraj, situated in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. The place is called Bharmour.

The temple here looks more like a home. Many people fear to go inside it, and just pray from outside and leave. The reason is, according to legend, the god of death, Yamraj, lives in this temple. And this is also the only place in the world dedicated to this god!
One room inside this temple is dedicated to Chitragupta, who is considered the secretary of Yamraj, and keeps an account of all the good and bad karmas of a person. It is said that after death, every soul is first brought to this place, before proceeding its journey further.
People believe that the temple has four invisible doors made of gold, silver, bronze and iron. Yamraj decides which soul should pass through which door.
The religious text of Garud Puran also talks about such 4 doors through which every soul has to pass post death.
To decide that, the soul is presented before Chitragupta, who gives a description of a person's sins and good deeds.
For this job, Chitragupta takes the help of God Shravan, the son of Lord Brahma. It is believed that Shravan knows everything about heaven, hell and Earth as he can hear and see people clearly living on Earth.

Sri Saumyakesava Temple, Nagamangala, Karnataka..

Sri Saumyakesava Temple, Nagamangala, Karnataka..
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Sri Saumyakesava Temple is an ancient vaishnavite pilgrimage temple. Inscriptions on the walls of the temple shows that it received PATRONAGE from the Hoysala King Veera Bhallaala in 1116 AD.

Gems of Tamil Scripture : Kaala Megha Pulavar

Gems of Tamil Scripture : Kaala Megha Pulavar
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"சட்டியிலே பாதியந்தச் சட்டுவத்திலே பாதி 
இட்டகலத் திற்பாதி இட்டிருக்கத் - திட்டமுடன்
ஆடிவந்த சொனெசர் அன்றைழத்த பொது பிள்ளை 
ஓடிவந்தது எவ்வாறு என்றுறை."
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------ காளமேக புலவர் 
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.சிவனடியாராக வந்த இச்சிவபெருமானுக்கு சிறுத்தொண்டர் படைத்த பிள்ளை கறியானது, சட்டியிலே பாதி, அந்த சட்டியிலே இருக்கும் அந்த சட்டுவத்திலே ஒருபாதியாகவும், படைத்த உன்கலத்திலெ இன்னொரு பாதியாகவும் இறுக்க, திருவிளையாடல் நிகழ்த்தவே வந்திருந்த அந்த சொனெசர் அறுக்கப்பட்ட பிள்ளையை " வருக" என்று அழைத்தபோது, அந்த பிள்ளை ஓடிவந்தது எவ்வாறு? அதனை எமக்குச் சொல்வாயாக !

WHAT IS VEDIC CULTURE or HINDUISM ?

WHAT IS VEDIC CULTURE or HINDUISM ?
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When it comes to Vedic culture, more popularly known as Hinduism, many people find it difficult or impossible to define it in a concise or adequate manner. It differs quite a bit from the conventional and western monotheistic religions with which many people are familiar. 
Hinduism is pluralistic. In other words,
It does not claim any one prophet or savior.
It includes all aspects of God.
It does not subscribe to any one philosophy or dogma;
It includes various schools of thought and ways of understanding spiritual Truth.
It includes a variety of religious rites or sacraments.
It does not exclude any particular scripture that can help a person understand more about God and spiritual Truth.
It does not say that you have only one life in which to become spiritually perfect or you will go to eternal damnation.
Thus, Vedic philosophy is more of a way of living and an outlook on life than a religion.
Because of this, Hinduism and the path of Vedic culture includes a variety of customs,ideas, and philosophies. It accommodates a wide range of approaches for allowing people to advance and understand our spiritual identity and transcendental Truth. It allows everyone to question the scriptures to increase one’s understanding, and recognizes no single person or prophet as having an exclusive claim over the Absolute Truth. Everyone can follow a system of realization to approach God since this is everyone’s right and destiny. This flexibility is one of the reasons why Vedic culture has continued over so many thousands of years.
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This is also why many variations of philosophical thought or schools of religion can be viewed as branches or tributaries of the same great river of sanatana-dharma , which is the universal spiritual knowledge and practice that is the essential teachings of the Vedic literature.

Vedas encourage Questioning.

Just because society believes, does not make it true.

What morality is being imposed by society or by a guru, or by our parents, are open for us to question and discover.

One seeks to understand the further implication of what is presented. One who questions morality taught by the guru, a wise guru will gladly explain and pursue with the conversations.

Doubts are good, because doubt shows a questioning mind. Doubt shows that we are thinking, that we want to know, that we are serious about that which we are doubting.

Doubt, questioning, contrary to whatever society has said, is the actual path towards enlightenment. One who is unsure will seek answers, and one who seeks and discovers will have a deeper foundation of understanding and knowledge, leading not to merely believing, but to actually knowing. One who knows is more steadfast and confident with their advocacy.

Vedas always gives thrust to questioning, vichara. There is no place for belief system in Vedas. Question and ascertain are the foundation of the Vedas on which stands Sanathana Dharma.

Greatnes of the word RAMA :

Greatnes of the word RAMA :
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நன்மையும் செல்வமும் நாளும் நல்குமே
திண்மையும் பாவமும் சிதைந்து தேயுமே 
ஜென்மமும் மரணமும் இன்றி தீருமே 
இன்மையே ராம என்றும் இரெண்டெழுத்தினால் ..|| 
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"Nanmayum Selvamum Naalum Nallkumay
Thinmayum Paavamum Sidhaindhu Thaeyumae
Jenmamum Maranamum Indri Theerumaey
Inmayey Rama Endra Irandu Ezhuthinaal".

Translation :

All the goodness and wealth will come to us; The pains and the sins will get defaced and erased; The tribulation of birth and death will get over; All just by uttering the two lettered word (in Tamil) Rama in this birth

Ottakoothar Song on Bhagwan Shiva :

Ottakoothar Song on Bhagwan Shiva :
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எந்தாய் போற்றி ஏறுஏறும் 
இறைவா போற்றி ஏழ்உலகும் 
தந்தாய் போற்றி சகம்உய்ய 
வந்தாய் போற்றி வஞ்சகர்முன் 
வாராய் போற்றி மலரோனும் 
செந்தா மறைக்கண் திருமாலும் 
ஆனாய் போற்றி சிவபோற்றி ..||
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--- கவிச்சக்கரவர்த்தி ஒட்டக்கூத்தர்
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விளக்கம் :

எம் தந்தையே வணக்கம். எருது ஏறுகின்ற இறைவனே வணக்கம்.ஏழு உலகத்தையும் தோற்றுவித்தவனே வணக்கம்.அழகிய கொன்றை மாலை அணிந்தவனே வணக்கம். உலகம் உய்திபெற வடிவுதாங்கி வந்தவனே வணக்கம்.வங்ச நெஞ்சத்தவர்க்கு முன்பு வந்து தோன்றாதவனே வணக்கம்.வேண்டாமரை மலரில் வீற்றிருக்கும் பிரமனும் சிவந்த தாமரை மலர் போன்ற கண்ணையுடைய திருமாலும் ஆக விளங்குபவனே வணக்கம். சிவனே வணக்கம். 

Mahadeva Temple, Thiruvanchikulam, Kerala..

Sri Mahadeva Temple, Thiruvanchikulam, Kerala..

The temple has very good mural paintings and is a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India. The temple has the oldest reference in history in old Tamil Sangam literature.

This temple was attacked and damaged during Tipu Sultan's invasion of Kerala, the copper roofing and gold and jewels were looted . Tipu's Muslim soldiers fled the temple complex only after the arrival of Travancore Army of Dalawa Kedhavadas Pillai . This temple was rebuilt by Paliath Achan of Kochi/Perumpadappu Swaroopam.

ISKCON Temple, Bangalore..

ISKON Temple, Bangalore..

Sri Radha Krishna Chandra Temple- This temple is situated at Hare Krishna Hill at West Chord road. This Neo-Classical temple is attached to a cultural complex occupying a seven acre hillock.

It was built to commemorate the birth centennial of Sri Prabhupada the founder of ISKON. With its ornate temple arches, fountains and elaborated Rajagopuram this temple is a feast for the eyes.

The four temple Gopurams are attached by a glass canopy. The deities worshiped are Sri Sri Radha Krishnachandra, Sri Sri Krishna Balarama, Sri Sri Nitai Gauranga, Sri Srinivasa Govinda and Sri Prahlada Narasimha.

There is also a Vedic Museum, an exhibition area, and a lecture hall. The ISKON Vedic Theatre where multimedia Vedic films are shown.

The Temple also has lodging facilities for devotees.

Thandialangaaram

Know Your Tamil : Thandialangaaram

( Explains the greatness of Tamizh)

"ஓங்க லிடைவந் துயர்ந்தோர் தொழவிளங்கி
ஏங்கொலிநீர் ஞாலத் திருளகற்றும் ஆங்கவற்றுள் 
மின்னேர் தனியாழி வெங்கதிரோன் றேனையது
தன்னே ரிலாத தமிழ் ...||"

Ongal Idai Vandhu Uyarndhor Thozha Vilangi
Yaengoli Neer Gnalathu Irul Agatrum Aangavatrul
Minnaer Thannazhi Ven Kadhiron Yaenayadhu
Thannaeriladha Thamizh

Meaning :
The ones that rise from the mountains and worshipped by all great men, illuminate and enlighten this world covered by the high seas; One is the electrifying and the bright Sun, the other is the language Thamizh. The analogy here is that the Sun rises above the mountains and removes out the darkness from the world, likewise, Tamil, which originated from the Kudagu Mountains removes the darkness of ignorance and enlightens the mind.
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Thandialangaram is so dense and vast that it has figures of speech, poetic decorations which can be discussed at length and there are many books written with the explanation for its contents.

Ten properties of cow milk, in a beautiful Shloka from Charaka Samhita

Ten properties of cow milk, in a beautiful Shloka from Charaka Samhita

Brihadeswara Temple Under Construction :

Structural marvel which never has failed to impress & astonish us right from the Chola Dynasty. This is just an imagination of how it would have looked like while it's under construction ! 
Courtesy - Falcon Designers, Brahadeeshwara Temple, Thanjavur !

Universal Religion defined by St. Arul Nanthi Sivachariar:

Universal Religion defined by St. Arul Nanthi Sivachariar:

St. Arul Nandi accordingly postulate his view of a universal Religion and truth in the following verse. 
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ஒதுசமயங்கள்பொருள்உணருநூல்கள்
ஒன்றோடொன்றொவ்வாமலுளபலவுமிவற்றுள்
யாதுசமயம்பொருள் நூலியாதிதிங்கென்னில்
இதுவாகுமதுவல்லவெனும்பிணக்கதின்றி
நீதியினாலிவையெல்லாமோரிடத்தேகாண
நிற்பதியாதொருசமயம்அதுசமயம்பொருள் நூல்
ஆதலினாலிவையெல்லாமருமறையாகமத்தே
யடங்கியிடுமவையிரண்டுமரனடிக்கீழடங்கும்.

“Religions, postulates and text books are various and conflict one with another. It is asked which is the true religion, which the true postulate and which the true book. That is true Religion, postulate and book which not possessing the fault of calling this true and the other false, (and not confliction with them) comprises reasonably everything in its own folds. Hence all these are comprised in the Vedas and Saiva Agamas. And these are imbedded in the Sacred Foot of Hara.”

Purapporul Venbaa maalai

Gems of Tamil Scripture : Purapporul Venbaa maalai

கண் அவனைக் காண்க,
இரு காது அவனைக் கேட்க,
வாய்ப்ண் அவனைப் பாட, 
பதம் சூழ்க, - எள் நிறைந்த
நெய் ஒத்து நின்றானை நீல மிடற்றானை என்
கை ஒத்து நேர் கூப்புக.
---- புறப்பொருள் வெண்பாமாலை கடவுள் வாழ்த்து
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Translation :

May the eyes see Him;
May the two ears listen Him;
May the tongue sing His music;
May the feet circumambulate;
Him, Who stands like the oil in the sesame,
One with the blue throat -
May my hands fold together (to worship).

The word G-O-D is not God:

The word G-O-D is not God:.
The religionists, because they superimpose their own limited fantasies upon the truth and call it God, suffer more than the people who do not believe in the concept of God. If Ultimate Truth is called God, then there is no difficulty. Then it can be practiced with mind, action, and speech, and once the truth is known with mind, action, and speech, knowledge is complete. But having faith in the fantasies of the religionists creates limited boundaries for the human intellect and leads to a religious atmosphere in which the poor followers must suffer until the last breaths of their lives.

Though religious dogma tempts the human mind with promises of the vision of God, it does not clarify and define the concept of God. The way religious books present the picture of God is injurious to human growth, for one who believes in God without understanding what God really is, closes the door to further knowledge and learning and cannot experience the inner dimensions of life. Such false promises are strongly discouraged in the Upanishads, which warn, “Neti, neti – not this, not this.” The student is made aware of the need to understand the reality and is encouraged to search for truth within. The Upanishads inspire one first to know oneself and then to know the Self of all. Upanishadic literature makes one aware that every being embodied in a physical sheath is a moving shrine of Supreme Consciousness. It also provides methods for entering the inner shrine, wherein shines the infinite light of knowledge, peace, and happiness.
Hinduism is not a religion...but Dharma...Sanathana Dharma !
( Edited from the teachings of Swami Krishnananda, Divine Life Society, Hrishikesh)

Dhathreeswarar Temple, Sidharkadu, Chennai..

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Sri Dhathreeswarar Temple, Sidharkadu, Chennai..
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Sitharkadu Sivan Temple has many more unique feeling that not many places have in a similar way. The present temple is believed to be constructed by pandya king Jadavarma Sundara Pandian-I (King and a Lord Emperor of Pandyan Dynasty) dating back to 9th Century.

Sitharkadu Sivan Temple is the temple dedicated to Dhathreeswarar (God for solving problems related to Illness and Poverty) and Prasunakunthalambigai Ambal (Godess for solving problems related to Marriage and Prosperity)

This ancient temple of Shiva has many carvings of various Siddhars in the mandapam and all around the temple supporting the fact that this temple is being worshipped by Siddhars.
Parihara temple for people born in ‘Swathi’ star.

Dharmasastras : Sanathana Dharma

Dharmasastras : Sanathana Dharma 
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If religion helps a man to rise from the human level to the divine level, Dharma(righteousness) elevates him from the brute level to the human level. It helps him to live a socially useful life and consequently, achieve happiness and peace in his personal life too.
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Realising this, our rishis of yore who discovered this Dharma, not only practised it in their own life but also vigorously propogated it. When Sage Dadhichi gave up his life to help devas against the demons or when Vibhishana gave up his all to join Rama, they were showing that no sacrifice was too great in defence of Dharma.When his brahmandanda quietly devoured all the missiles discharged by Viswamitra, Vasishta was actually exhibiting the tremendous power of Dharma against Adharma.

Someswara Temple, Mugabala, Near Hoskote, Karnataka..

Sri Someswara Temple, Mugabala, Near Hoskote, Karnataka..
( 11th century Chola period temple)

Naidatham.. " நைடதம் " of Athiveera Rama Pandiyar .

Gems of Tamil Literature : "Naidatham" of Athiveera Rama Pandiyar
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"தழைவிரி கடுக்கை மாலைத் தனிமுதல் சடையிற் சூடும் 
குழவிவேன் திங்களிற்ற கொட்டது குரையென்ரென்னிப்
புழைநேடுங்கரத்தர் பற்றிப் பொற்புற இணைந்தது நோக்கும் 
மழைமதக் களிற்றின் செய்ய மலரடி சென்னி வைப்போம்" ||
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--- அதிவீரராம பாண்டியரின் " நைடதம் "
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பொழிப்புரை :
செழித்த கொன்றைமாலை அணிந்திருக்கின்ற பரமசிவனது சடையில் குடியிருக்கின்ற வெள்ளிய சந்திரனைத் தனது துதிக்கையால் பற்றித் தன் ஒடிந்த கொம்பொடு அழகு பொருந்த இணைத்துப் பார்கின்ற மழைபோன்ற மதத்தை உடைய ஆனைமுகக் கடவுளுடைய செந்தாமரை மலரடிகளை நாம் வணங்குவோமாக.

Vaidyanatheswara Temple, Talakkad, Karnataka...

Sri Vaidyanatheswara Temple, Talakkad, Karnataka...

Thirumoolanathar Temple, Ambasamudram, TN..

Sri Thirumoolanathar Temple, Ambasamudram, TN..

The oldest temple of Ambasamudram; located amidst paddy fields in a secluded but scenic location. It is an ancient temple located in a peaceful site amidst paddy fields on the northern banks of the river Tamrabharani. The location is picturesque. It is a little known temple; even the people from this town visit this temple not frequently.

The sanctum sanctorum has a very big idol of Lord Shiva Linga named as Tirumoolanathar. In the maha mandapa, the Goddess Ulagammai is found in a separate south facing shrine.

The beautiful and big mural painting of Nataraja-Sivakami is found in the wall of Maha Mandapa.

Kalamegha Pulavar

Know Your Tamil : Kavi Kaalamegham
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வெள்ளைக் கலையுடுத்து வெள்ளைப் பணிபூண்டு
வெள்ளைக் கமலத்தில் வீற்றிருப்பாள் வெள்ளை
அறியா சனத்தி லரசரோ டென்னைச்
சரியா சனம்வைத்த தாய்

Vellai Kalai Uduthu Vellai Pani Poondu
Vellai Kamalathil Veetriruppaal Vellai
Ariyaasanathil Arasarodu Ennai
Sariyaasanam Vaitha Thaai

Translation:
My mother of knowledge who wears the white attire of purity, and adorns the white ornaments and sits on the white lotus, would bless me with the knowledge that will seat me on par with the kings.

Muchukundeswara Temple, Kodumbalur, TN...

Sri Muchukundeswara Temple, Kodumbalur, TN....

This temple was built by Mahimalaya Irukkuvel, chief of Kodumbalur, in 920 CE during 4th year of the reign of Chola king Parantaka I. This east facing temple was repaired and extended in 13th century when a maha-mandapa and a Devi shrine was added to the complex. The temple is built in parivara style. Out of seven sub-shrines only the remains of four can be seen.

Here Shiva is holding a veena hence he is portrayed as Veenadhara-Dakshinamurti.