Latest Tanjore Painting - Lord Ganesha

Here is my latest attempt at Tanjore painting - Lord Ganesha. I also attaching a semi-finished painting for comparison.

Mahabharat and number 18

I want to share some interesting things about Mahabhart Yutham.

Mahabhart has 18 Parvam(volume).
1.Aathiparvam 10.Sowmthigaparvam

2.Sabha parvam 11.Shreeparvam
3.Vanaparvam 12.Shanthiparvam

4.Viradaparvam 13.Anusasanaparvam
5.Udyogaparvam 14.Ashvamedaparvam
6.Bheshmaparvam 15.Aashramparvam
7.Droonaparvam 16.Mowsalaparvam
8.Karnaparvam 17.mahprasthanikaparvam
9.Saalyaparvam 18swarkahoranaparvam

MahabharataYutham duration of 18days.

Pandavas had 7Akshahini (units) of warriors.
Ghawravas had 11 Akshahini of warriors.
Total 18 Akshahini of warriors


1Chariot ,1 elephant, 5Soldiers, 3Horses =1patthi
3 patthi =1 senamukham
3 senamukham = 1Kulmam
3 Kulmam =`1 ghanam
3ghanam =1vaakhiani

3vaakhini =1bruhutalai

3 bruhutalai =1samu

3 samu =1 anikini

10 anikini =1akshini

That means 21,870 chariots,+ 21,870 elephants,+1,09350 soldiers +65,610 is one akshini

so 18 akshini is +2,36,09,600. from both side.

charrots: elephants: horses : soldiers

21870 : 21870 :65610 :109350

1 : 1 : 3 : 5
The person who can fight with 10 thousand soldiers called Maharath (karna was Maharath)

From pandavas side 16,83,990

from gauravas side 26,46,270 warriors took part in this war.

But atlast when Aswatthama leads the Gauravas army with

200 charrots,100 elephants, 500 horses, 3000 soldiers .

Salya leads pandavas army with

2000 charrots,700 elephants,5000 horses,10,000 soldiers.

In the end of this war 7 persons .Uthishtra, Bheema, Arjun, Nagulan, Sahaadeva,Krishna, Saatyaghi were alive from Pandava side.

But in Duriyothana side only 3 peoples Kripa, Krithvarma, Aswathama were alive.

Ghadopgaja was killed by karna

Karna was killed by Arjun

Jharachandan by Bheema

Dhurpatha and Viraada by Drhona,

Drohna by Dhrishtyooman

Poorsravas by saatyagi

Bheeshma by Shikandhi

Saguni by Sahadeva

Jayatradhan (husband of only daughter of Dhirudhirashta's Dhushaliya) by Arjun

Abhimanya was killed by jayatradhan, karna,Dhuriodana and others.

Dhuriodana was killed by Bheema

Pandava's sons killed by Ashvathama son of Drhona.

(Mahabharatha war was happened on B.C.3155 october month 29th tuesday by a scholor Ramadurai.)

At the time of mahabharata yutha Dharma age was72, Bheema and dhuriyothana 71, Arjuna was70.

unique Parvathy

We know about Sri Somaaskanthar.

Soma+Uma+Skantha. But here is Umaskanthar in Tiruvarur. In Tiruvarur temple Sri Thyagaraja swami is "Somaskanthar".Lord Siva,Uma and skantha(murugan) are sitting in the same panal.(Peetham).

Neelothpalaambal (Alliyankothai) in the same temple is Umaskantha. Devi standing.Near by her friend (saki) who is carring skantha in her shoulder.Uma (Parvathy) is holding his finger. This is unique in both Moolavar and Urchavar.

In Tiruvenkadu when sambandar came for darshan he feel that the temple is filled with sivalinga so he afraid to step in to have darshan. Then parvathi carried sambanthar and went in. so here the amman is named as Iduki amman in first prakaram .

Here is my favourate Parvathy.

http://www.poetryinstone.in/lang/en/2009/01/29/a-sculpture-monalisa.html

one more unique Parvathy in one of the Veeratanam Vazuthur near Myladuthurai Gajasamhara moorthy temple. Her Lord shiva is tearing the elephant and Parvathy is standing nearby and holding murugan. See the elegant pose of siva, smile in parvathy face scare face of skantha. The sculptor shows his skill in this different pose, ornaments, dresses and also the bones and veins.

Happy Vinayaka Chathurti to Everybody

Here is my latest tanjore Painting.

Three beautiful Murugan

There are three murugan temple near Naagai are famous.

1. Poravacherri

2. Ettukudi

3. Ennkann.
These Murugan deities are made by same sthapati (sculptor). First Idle (moorthy) made by this stapathi is in Poravaacheeri, Near Sikkal. Poravacherri Subramaniyar is the main deity (moolayar). Sikkal Sri Singaaravellar is Orchavar. Murugan is so beautiful with 6 faces and 12 hands with weapons sitting on a peacock.The full ideal is standing only onthe support of peacock legs. You can see the blood veins of Lord Murugan's hands and peacock legs. One can view this at the time of milk abheshekam. Peacock holding a snake is also a special feature of this idol.

The king cut off sculptor's thumb so he can't dupulcate more. But the stapthi made one more Lord Murugan which is in Ettukudi temple near Tiruvarur. This time the king took his eyes.

But the stapthi made one more beautiful Murugan which is in Ennkann temple with 6 faces and 12 hands holding weapons on a peacock.This time the full structure stands only on the claws of the peacock. Lord Murugan's each finger is craved as distinct fingers with gaps available to decorate with rings. Both Moolavar and urchavar are like this.

The legend goes that when he completed this idol, the sculptor got back his eyes and thumb.

some more details about time

Kaliyaga stated from B.c 3102 feb17th midnight.
as per our mythogoly on the last day of dwabarayug Lord Krishna left to vaikunda and Uthishtra to mooksha.Another opion is Uthistra crowned as aking on the first day of Kaliyuga. From that day till vikrama saga first day is known as Uthistra sahaptium.( upto B.C 58)

Saptarishi era:
It has 2700 years. It is divided into 27.Each has 100year. as the saparishi mandala travel through each star (27X100).Asper this teory Kaliyuga startes when saptarishi was near Magha (மகம்) for 75 years.That means B.C. 4077.This is the oldest theory.

Jupiter circle. Jupiter takes 432.6 days for one round in space. there are 2 type of calculation 12years, 60years.

My Latest Completed Tanjore Painting

திரு கோவில்கள் இரு வகைப்படும் .
கோவில்களை அமைத்து பிறகு திருஉருவங்களை எழுந்தருள செய்தல்.
எழுத சிவலிங்கம் சுற்றி ezutha sivalingam chutri கோவில் அமைதல்.
ஸ்வம்பு லிங்கங்கள் மரதின் கீழ் அமைதிருக்கும்.அம்மரமே அக்கோவில் தல்விற்க்ஷம்மாகும்.
பழனி,மதுரை,திருப்பரங்குன்றம்,திருச்செந்தூர்,சுவாமிமலை,திருத்தணி,காஞ்சிபுரம் இவை எத்தகைய கோவில்களே பிற்காலத்தில் விரிந்து கற்கோவில்கள் ஆயின.
கி.பி.7 m நூற்றாண்டில் அப்பர் எழுதிய திருத்தாண்டகத்தில் கோவில்களை எட்டு வகையாக கூறுகிறார்.
பெருங்கோவில்: செயகுன்றின் மேல் எடுக்கப்பட்ட மலைகொவில்.
மாடகோவில்: யானை ஏறாத படிக்கட்டு அமைத்த கோவில் அப்பர் காலத்திற்கு முன் செங்கஞ்சோழன் கட்டிய 70 கோவில்.(நன்னிலம், திருமருகல்,சிக்கல்,குடவாசல்)
கரகோவில்: தேர் வடிவில் சக்கரத்துடன் அமைத்த கோவில் (குடந்தை சாரங்கபாணி கோவில்,நாகை ஸௌந்தரராஜபெருமாள் கோவில்)
ஞாழற்கோவில் : ஞாழல் என்ற மரத்தால் அமைந்த கோவில்.
கொகுடி கோவில்:கொகுடி என்ற ஒருவகை முல்லை கொடி சூழ்த கோவில்.
இளங்க்கோவில்: கோவில் புதுபிக்கும் பொருட்டு கோபுரம்,விமானம் முதலிவற்றை (பாலாலயம்) சித்திரமாக எழுதி தனி இடத்தில் வைத்துவிட்டு திருப்பணி செய்தல்.
மணி கோவில்: மணி போன்ற விமானம் அமைந்த கோவில்.
ஆல கோவில்; ஆல மரநிழலில் அமைந்த கோவில்.
செங்கல்,சுணாம்பு , உலோகம் ,மரம் இவையால் கட்டப்பட்ட கோவில்கள் நாளடைவில் அழியும் என்பதால் கருங்கல்லினால் கோவில் கட்ட பல்லவர்கள் முற்பட்டனர்.முதலில் குன்றுகளை குடைந்து குடைவரை கோவிலை கட்டியவர் மகேந்தரவர்ம பல்லவன். வடாற்காடு,செங்கல்பட்டு, புதுகோட்டை வரை இவர் கட்டிய குகை கோவில்கள் உள்ளன.சித்தனவாஸல் கோவில் ,திருச்சிராபள்ளி,தளவானூர் சிறப்பு வாய்த்தவை.

திருவாரூர் ஆழி தேர்

1925 பங்குனி உத்திரம் நாள் ஆழி தேர் மேலைகோபுரதிற்கும் தெற்கு கோபுரத்திற்கும் இடையே நின்றது. அதிர்வேத்து தீ பொறி ஒன்று தெறித்து தொங்கும் தொம்பை பற்றி அரிய விதானம் முழுதும் நிமிடமாய் தீ பரவியது.இதை கண்டபிச்சு குருக்களும் நடேச கொத்தனாரும் தெரிநூகி ஓடி மேஅலே ஆரி திரை சீலையால் சுவாமியை சுற்றி கட்டி கீழே தள்ளி தானும் குதித்தனர். மண்வீதியாக இருத்தால் யாருக்கும் சேஅதமில்லை . பீடத்தின் அடிஎல் இருத்த சாய
வேசிடி சாமினாதபிள்ளைம் அசுர வேஅகத்தில் சுவாமியை தூக்கிகொண்டு கோவில் உள்ளே சென்றனர். தேர் முழுதும் எஅரிந்து சாம்பல் ஆனது.
பின் பல காலத்திற்கு பின் மீண்டும் கலைஞர் கருணாநிதி முதல்வர் ஆனதும் மீண்டும்
ஓட ஆரம்பித்தது.
2008 இல் கம்லாம்பளுக்கு புது தேர் கட்டி ஓடியது.
ஆழி தேர் மிக பெரிது இதை கட்ட சுமார் ஒரு மாதம் ஆகும் .ஒரு குதிரையின் நீளம் 21அடி.

From Tiruvaarur ther

இந்த தேர் மேரு மலைக்கு சமமானது.
சிவா திரிபுராந்தகர்களை azika புறப்பட்டதும் Bhumi தேர் பீடமானது .இந்திரன்,அக்னி,யமன்,நிருதி,வருணன்,வாயு,குபேரன்,ஈசன்,சூர்யன்,சந்திரன் ஆகியோர் பத்து சக்கரமானர்.
வித்யாதத்வம்,சிவதாடவம்,ஆத்மதத்வம் தேர் தடானது.
64 கலை

விதான கால்களானது .
மேல் 7 உலகம்கள் விதான கூடானது .
ரிஷபம் கொடியானது
வேதம் குதிரையானது.
மந்திரஸஸ்திரம் கயரானது
சாரதியாக பிரம்மா அமர துணையாக சூலினி துர்க்கை நிற்க மேருவை வில்லாக்கி வாசுகி நாணாக்கி பெணைத்து
௭ கடலையும் அம்புரா துணியாகி முதுகில் அணிந்து
பிரபஞ்ச வெளி ஆசனமாய் அமைத்த தேரில் ஸ்ரீ த்யாகேச பெருமான் அமர்தார்
தேவர்கள் சிவனுக்கு அரக்கர்களை அழிக்க நம் துனை தேவையா?
இநத அசுரர்கள் அவ்வளவு வல்லவர்களா என்று நினைத்தனர்
அசுரர்கள் கர்வத்தால் சிரித்தனர்.
ஸ்ரீ த்யாகேசர் தேரிலிருந்து எறங்கி தனியாக நின்றார் அசுரர்களை பார்த்து புன்முறுவல் பூத்தார்.
பரமனின் பல் ஒளிகீற்றல் மூபுரமும் எரிந்து போனது.

Tiruvaarur ther

.

variety of temples in south india

Kara kovil is in Thirukodampur

Kokudi kovil is in Karupatriyaloor

Manikovil is in Thirupatriyaloor

Aalankovil is in Thirukachuur

Poonkovil is in Tiruvarur

Perunkovil is in Nannilam

Madakovil is in Thirusaaikaadu

Elankovil is in Thirumeyachur

Niyazalkovil is in Thirupathripuliyur

Biggest temples

Srirangam (7walls) 155.5 acres

Tiruvarur 30 acres

Chidambaram

Thiruvanamalai 25 acres

Madurai 15 acres

Thiruvenkadu 10 acres

Rameswaram 865x657ft

Thanjai 800x657ft

thirunelveli 756x378ft

Mannargudi 42acres

Kumbeswarar temple 750x252 ft

Nava Brahmam temple

There are many temples relocated by some reasons.For example Mylapur Sri Kapaleswarar temple and SriKalikamba temple were relocated from the place where was the British raised the st. George fort in Chennai.

After Independence Alampur Nava Brhama Siva temple and Joshilamba temple( One of the shakthi peetham) relocated here because of Srisilam hydro power project.

Sri Jogulamba temple was destroyed by Mogul and recently re built here.

The Nava Bhramma temples are Taraka Bhramma, Swarga Bhramma, Padma Bhramma, Bala Bhramma, Garuda Bhramma, Kumara Bhramma, Arka Bhramma, Vira Bhramma and the Vishwa Bhramma. These temples are all enclosed in a courtyard on the left bank of the river Tungabhadra.

The Bala Bhramma temple is the principal shrine of worship. It dates back to the year 702 CE - per the inscriptions seen here. Shivaratri is celebrated in great splendour here.

The Taraka Bhramma temple is partly in ruins, and it has no image in the sanctum. It bears Telugu inscriptions from the 6th-7th century CE. The Swarga Bhramma temple with an imposing tower is considered to be among the finest in Alampur, and is an excellent specimen of Chalukyan architecture and sculpture. It contains several sculptures in bas relief, and it dates back to the end of the 8th century.

The Padma Bhramma temple partly in ruins, contains a Shivalingam of clear stone with mirror like finish. The Viswa Bhramma temple is among the most artistic of the Nava Bhramma temples. The sculptural work here depicts scenes from the epics.

Allampur Temple

Thirunaraiyur KalGarudar

Thirunariyur Kalgaruda is famous in Nachiyarkoil. He is big stone Gharudar.On garuda seva day 4 people will carry Him. Then 8,16,32,64 people to carry.Because when came out the weight will increase and need more people to carry Him.Same way when he goes back into the temple the weight will decrease and 64,32,16,8,4 people carry Him back to his place.

devotes do puja to this Kal Garudar for Nagadosam

Here is the link to an excellent article about Garuda in other countries also.

http://www.poetryinstone.in/lang/en/2009/01/15/garudanin-kathai-thirukurungudi.html

Kuber's shankanidhi and padmanidhi

In temples you can see Kuber in both sides of entrance. One side he is holding shangam (crunch) in his both hands known as shanka nidhi (nidhi mean property).In other side He is holding lotuses on his hands known as Padma nidhi.

Shangu is from ocean symble of salt water source means all property s in see like perals and corals. Why shagam in his hand? Because shangam only gives the sound of ohmkaram when you blow it.

padmam is the symble of water sources in land like river, lakes, tanks etc. this is very important for all living things (agriculture, to drink and all purposes).

Most of our tamil numerals are mentioned in the name of water flowers or names of lotus.

Shanga nidhi is symbol of numerical number 10 to the power of 14.

Padma nidhi is symbol of numerical number 10 to the power of 35.

These are the nava nidhi of Kuber.

1. Kachhapanidhi
2. Karpaganidhi
3. Shanganidhi
4. Padmanidhi
5. nanthanidhi
6. Nellanidhi
7. Mahanidhi
8. Mahamadhunidhi
9. Mukundhanidhi

there is sannithi for kuber in Akshareswar temple in Keevaloor(in history this place is known as Keezavealuor).

tamil neethal Vaipadu

தமிழ் நீடல் வாய்பாடு

8 அணு =1 தேர்த்துகள்
8 தேர்த்துகள் =1 பஞ்சுஎழை
8 பண்ஞ்சு எழகி =1 மையேர்(hair)
8 மையேர் =1 நுண்மணல்
8 நுண்மணல் =1 கடுகு
8 கடுகு =1 நேஅல்

8 நேஅல் =1பேரு வெரல்(இ இன்ச்)
12 பெருவிரல் =1 சாண்
2 சாண் =1 முழாம்
44 முழாம் =1 கொஅல்
500 கொஅல் =1 கூப்பிடு
4Koopidu = 1kaatham

Numbers above one crore

Some numerical numbers in vedic maths.
1 followed by 7 zeros =1 crore
1 followed by 14 zeros =1 Mahakoti
1 followed by 21 zeros =1 sangam
1 followed by 35 zeros =1 vindam
1 followed by 49 zeros =1 padumam
1 followed by 63 zeros =1 kumudam
1 followed by 77 zeros =1 samudram
1 followed by 91 zeros =1 vellam
1 followed by 105 zeros =1 pralayam
1 followed by119 zeros =1 sanjalam
1 followed by175 zeros =1 arputham
1 followed by 203 zeros =1 anandham
1 followed by 210 zeros = 1 mahakalam

Some fractional numbers in tamil

1/320 = 1munthee

1/160 =1/2 munthre

1/80 =1kanni

1/40 = 1/2 kanni(half kanni)

3/80 =mukkanni

1/20 =1 maa
1/10 =1/2 maa

Some sleeping posture of Lord Vishnu

Here are 8 sleeping postures of Lord Vishu.

1.In Kumbakkonam Sarngapani is in Udyogasayanam.

2.In Thiruneermalai He is in Maanikasayanam.

3.In Tirukadalmallai (Maamallapuram) Thalasayanam means not laying on serpent (AAdiseheshan) only on floor is Thallasayanam.

4.In Thirupullani Ramar temple He is laying on Dharpa ( grass)is Dharpasayanam.

5.In Chidabaram govindarajaperumal is in "Bhookasayanam".

Link: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjekyZKwM9JSMrlTm-A-2r4JK349uU2i4SJeE96cqdjfaL9QOzBMANXoBYP-aHtptGOx4BajiUupnjS-SvClmnzWa4nGJxeSDmcyI44uguzIkwz5e6AbjtngSAWisOKrk7mBKGbyiNcIMaz/s1600-h/GOVINDARAJAR+copy.jpg

6.In Indaloor near MailladuthuraiHe is in Veerasayanam.

7.In Sreevilliputhur and srirangamvishnu is Vadapathrasayanam.

8.If Lord Vishnu is accompanied by Devi is Bhookasayanam. If he is laying alone Yogasayanam

Temples arrangement in Tamilnadu

There are many temples in Tamilnadu. Just image as Thiruvidaimaruthur Mahalingeswar temple as main sannathi of a siva temple the other temples around here are situated like this.Thiruvalnsuzi Swatha Vinayaka temple is situated as vinayagar sannathi,Swamimallai as murugan sannathi,Ammankudi as Amman sannathi,Tiruvarur Sri Thyagaraja temple Somaskanthar sannathi,Suryannar koil as Navagraha sannathi, Sirkazi as Bhairavar sannathi,Thruvaduthurai as Nandhi sannathi ,Thiruchiyallur as Chandikeswar sannathi,Thiruaalangudi as Dhakshinamoorthi sannathi and Patteswaram as Durga sannathi.

some more Natarajar in south temples

In Thirukadamboor is one of the famous siva temple here built by KULOTHUNGAN I. in(1075-1120) This is the first temple built in the shape of Rath.With inspiration of this temple the King Ganga built the famous Sun temple in Konark in 13th century. Here a Lord Natarajan is dancing on Nandhi. This was given to Kulothunga by his Guru from Bengal.

In Utharkoosamangai Nataraja of made by Precious Maragatham (jade) stone.On Thiruvadrai you can see him at the Abishekam time (early morning).Other days it is covered by sandal wood paste.

In Konearirajapuram (Thirunallam) very beautiful and the biggest Natarajan nearly *feet height is here. The temple was built by Chenbiyanmaa devi in the memory of her husband King Kandaraadithyan who wrote "thiruvisaipaa".Later period Pandian king placed the natarajaa is Swayambu moorthy.

Konerirajapuram - Worlds Largest Bronze Nataraja (1) Konerirajapuram - Worlds Largest Bronze Nataraja (1)

Picture of Konerirajapuram Nataraja Idol from
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gsam/3042704667/in/set-72157618361534059/.
(All rights to the original owner of this picture with my gratitude.)

Thirunsuziyal here Nataraja in the form herbals Like navabhashanam.

In Thirunelvelli Nellaiyappar temple Natarajar made in sandalwood this is Thamira ambalam.(copper).

In Madavarvallagam Siva temple built by Tirumalai nayakar has big( 6feet height) Nataraja made in single stone is famous.

Tiruvasal near Selam Siva temple built by pandiyas .Natarajar has Kereedam(crown)instate of "jadaamudi" and his feet on serpant instate of "Muyalagan."

Vedic Calculation of Time

The sun and moon are moving at scheduled times which have been meticulously calculated by our great sages long long past. (now scientists says in atom also electron and protons are moving around neutron in both living and non living things.) Until today we have not seen any difference in their calculation which is based on the soundest theory of "Ajapa Gayathri". It is based on the Mantra or Hymn called Hamsa, which is connected with inhalation and exhalation of human breath. The sound Ha represents inhaling and the sound 'sha' is caused while exhaling. Control over the breath is the basic principle of Pranayama. When breath is controlled mind is controlled too.The Fleeting nature of mind been controlled, it can be concentrated on divine thoughts. As a swan (hamsa) is to be kept under control for utilising its services,the mind is to be brought under swayby controlling the breath,the hymn of Hamsa or Ajapa Gayathri. According to medical investigation, the normal healthy man has 15 breaths per minute or 21,600 breaths per day.

In ancient India system to calculating time,

• 60Nadis = 1 Vinadhi.
• 60 Vinadhi or 3600 Nadis = 1 Nazhigai.
• 60 Nazigai = 1 day.
  
• 360 days = 1 year (Because of slowing down of earth, a year is now a little more than 365 days)
  

• Kali Yuga = 4,32,000 years.
  
• Dwapara Yuga = 8,64,000 years
  
• Trata Yuga = 12,96,000 years
• Krita Yuga = 17,28,000 years
  

• Mahayuga or Chatur Yuga = Kali Yuga + Dwapara Yuga + Trata Yuga + Krita Yuga = 43,20,000 years

1 kalpa or a day of Brahma = 1000 Mahayuga
1Manvantraa = 71 Maha Yugas

One full day of Brahma or Kalpais = 14 x 71 (or 994) MahaYugaas + the morning and evening (santhis of 6 Maha yuga) = 1000 Mahayugas.

So, 1 day in Brhama's day = 1000 x 43,20,000 years.
One year for Brahma = 360 such days of Brahma.

A day of Brahma is stated to be a period when all planets return to the same point in the sun or the first point of Aries at Horizon of Lanka on the equator, whose longitude is 76 degrees east of Greenwich.

There is a mystic link between the Mantra-Hamsa or Ajapa Gayathri and the period of Brahma, Vishnu, and Siva. The number of breathing per day 21600 (200 x 108). The number 108 has very great mystic power. The Upanishads are 108, Vishnupeethas or Diviyadesam are 108.
Our Hindu calender was calculated from the time when all the planets started their journey and not on the day of great man's birth or great king's birth.

According the Hindu mythology, during the day time of Brahma; he creates the life and during the night it is destroyed by Lord Siva. After the life time of Brahma, new galaxy will be created by new Brahma.

Excepts taken from R.K. Das, "Temple of TamilNad", Bhavan's Book University, 2001.

Panchavarneswar temple

There are many old temples around Kumbakkonam. THIRUNALLUR is between Kumbakkonam and Paapanasam. From the main road you have to go 2km. Very less bus service. It is an old temple by Chenkun Chola. This a "Maada Kovil" i.e. you have climb a flight of stairs to enter the temple. Here the God Lingam named as Panchavarneswar, because he is changing his colour for every six "nazegai"(2hr 24min). In morning nazegai, he is in copper colour, then 6-12 sight reddish, 12 to 18 golden colour, 18-24 Emrald colour and 24-30 a mixturer of different colours.

Temple poojari compares Lingam as Kailasa Parvat. That is, the pallette of colours is the same as when you saw Kailas from Manasarovar during different times of the day. The Lingam at Panchavarneswar temple, also shines in these colours.

There are also big statues of Shiva and Parvathi is behind the Lingam; named KALYANASUNDARAR and PARVATHI. There is one more Lingam in the same Aavudai, which was worshiped by Agasthiyar. Another speciality of this temple is that there are two Lingams in one Aavudai.

A big devotee of Lord Shiva and one of the 63 Nayanmar, Shri Thirunavukarsar had Padadharshanam here. Another speciality of this temple is that the icon of Lord Natarajar is with a stick ("Thalaikooal " ) in his right hand.

Ashtha Bujanga Kali also famous here.

A short documentary about this temple was also broadcast recently (on 5th April 2009) on Sun Tv channel as a part of their Teiva Tarshanam programme. I am also embedding the program below.

All rights to Sun Tv. No copyright infringement intended.

UNIQUE ICON OF SOUTH INDIAN TEMPLE (OOTHUKADU)

Picture of Oothukadu Temple -Lord Shri Krishna Idol. Original article link is presented at the end of the this blog. All copyrights to owner.

When anybody says Oothukadu our memory goes to the famous song by Venkatakavi
"Alai paaude" and other songs. His songs are mostly about Lord Krishna with dancing "jathis". I wondered why dance songs? Last year I went to Kumbakonam. In the bus stand, I had seen a bus to Oothukadu. I was tempted to go there. There was Lord Vishnu temple Named VEDA NARAYANA. Oh.....!!!!!! Here a little icon of Kalinganarthana Krishna was there. So cute!! 2.5ft in height. His right hand holding tail of serpent with his left hand, showing "Apaya mudra" on right is indeed a feast to my eyes.

It is so intricately sculptured that one can insert a thin paper between Lords feet and head of serpent "Kalinga". Another leg of Krishna is slightly raised above has scars formed due to the violent beating from Kalinga's tail. Now I got the answer. Venkatakavi inspired with the enchanting image of Kalinga Narthana Krishna in Oothukadu, wrote many Krishna dancing songs. KAMADENU's daughters Patti and Nandhi also here with Lord Krishna enjoying his dance.

In that small temple there is a Sannathi for the great poet VENKATAKAVI. But it is in a bad condition. Every year during the music season (Dec), all the musicians sing and play his songs. Music lovers also enjoying very much. If somebody come forward to renovate his Sannathi, that will be the real tribute to the great Venkatakavi and celebrate his Jayanthi in his Sannathi like Thyagaraja Arathana at Tiruvaiyaru.

Other Interesting Article:

• Hindu Newspaper article

Here is an example of the Thillana composed by Oothukadu Venkata Subbier (Venkata Kavi)in praise of Lord Krishna. The song is sung by noted Carnatic singer Aruna Sairam Margazhi Mahautsavam 2008.

SHOPARA AN ANCIANT FAMOUS PORT

From BC 2nd century to ad15th century it was a important big port. Merchants from Karachi,Arabs, Greece,Egypt came here for trading.It was also known as SUBHARAKA,SUBARAKAPATTINAM. In Mahabharat and Harivamsam books named as SURPARAKA
In Mahabharat Arjun went to Dwaraka from this port.
It was mentioned as a holy place for Jain's In their famous book Sribalasaritham. Here the king Sribalan got married Thilakasundri Princess of Upamara. "It was one of the 84important Holyplace "by Jain GuruJeenaprabha in 14th century.
When Bhudha came here he converted many widow ladies as his followers.
In Ramayana this place is described as the place of SURPANAGA sister of Ravana the king of Lanka.It had Temples of SURYA, CHANDRA, SAAVITHRI,SARASWATHY,INDRAAND GUPERA.King Ravana came here to worship.
The demon Mareechan also lived here and came as a golden deer by the order of Ravana to adapt Sita.
In olden days many SAMAVEDIC Bramins lived in and around KOnkan and Gujarat.Ravana also a sama vedee.Even today many samaveda bramins are living in Gujarat.
In12th century a Konkan king named ABHARADITHYA sent a female poet to Kashmir to attend a conference of veda.
in 15th century when Mughal Concorde India the famous SHURABHA lost its glory and ruined.
This famous port was called as SOBARA by famous traveller ALBURARI of Gajini,SUBERA by Jordan merchants,SUBERA by famous Greek traveller. A stone carving in Nasik mentioned it as Shobharak.
From a tamil magazine Manjari

panchamukavadyam part2

Panchamukavadyam has five faces resembling Lords Shiva's five faces from"Satyojatham is Nagapantham," from" Vamadevam is Swasthikam," from Agoorm is thakgam" from thatpurshotham is Sudham,from Esanam smakali. each face Are tied with deer leather.

It must be play ed only by parasaiva who had siva deekshai. they are also poojari of "Pedariamman'. They are playing this with 7thalas and 35 type Jathis. they should dressed with red dress and red flower and Sandle paste(santhanam).

When LORD SIVA destroyed thireepuram of the three demons namedTharaghakshan, Vidyulmali,vanasuran prayed for his mercy and Siva appionted two of them as his gate keeper (Dwarapalaka) and Vanavan the third one as to play panchamukavadyam. It is described in Koormapuranam by Adiveerarama pandian. But in Tiruvarur temple It is painted as Lord Vishnu is playing it.In some temples it is described as Lord Nandhi or Adi sheashan or Boothaganams are playing.

In this temple it is placed on a wheeled platform so that it can be dragged to where ever Sri Thyagaraja goes.

Tiruthuraipoondi temple has Panchamugavadyam. But nobody to play .

Note: I collected this information from a book "Kudamuza' by Mr. Kudavasal Balasubramaniam.

First Pics from USA

Here are some pictures taken during my current visit to USA. These were taken during our trip to Snowqualmine Water Falls and Rattle Snake State Park in Washington USA.

From Amma US Trip

From Amma US Trip

From Amma US Trip

From Amma US Trip

From Amma US Trip

From Amma US Trip

From Amma US Trip

From Amma US Trip

From Amma US Trip

Panchamugavadiyam - updated

Panchamugavadiyam translates into - instrument with 5 (pancha) faces (mugam). It is big instrument nearly 3 feet height and 5 feet diameter with five faces indicative of the five faces of Lord Siva. Each of these faces of the instrument are tied with leather from deer. Panchamugavadiyam has five faces resembling Lords Shiva's five faces:

1. Nagapantham represents Sadyojāta face of Lord Shiva.
2. Swasthikam represents Vāmadeva faces of Lord Shiva.
3. Thakgam represents Aghora faces of Lord Shiva.
4. Sudham represents Tatpuruṣa faces of Lord Shiva.
5. Smakali represents Īsāna faces of Lord Shiva.

It is unique music instrument currently used only in Tiruvarur Sri Thyagaraja temple . Today this instrument is ONLY played at evening Aarthi (sayarashi deeparthanai) at the temple. The pictures shown above are only a model of the original.

During ancient times (sanga kalam), it was named as "kudamuza'. There were nearly seven type of kudamuza or musical instruments named in Tamil literature as purmuza, aghamuza, pannamai muzavu, naan muzavu so on. In 4th &5th century, Karikal Ammiyar (a renowned poet and devotee of Lord Shiva) noted it in her poetry (pathikam) as very important instrument for dance. In temples, the idol of Karikal Ammiyar is almost always present at the feet of Lord Shiva (Lord Nataraja). It was a prime instrument for dance during ancient times. Other instruments like "Kallal", "Oodukai" and several other instruments were used to support Panchamugavadiyam.

You can also see this instrument depicted in statues and paintings other old temples like Ellora, Elephanta caves, Abaneri temple in Gujarat. Statues can also be found in temples built during the Chalukya period, namely in Pattathakal in Andhra Pradesh, Thanthondreeswara temple in Kanchi, TamilNadu, Kailasanathar temple in Kanchi, TamilNadu. Panchamugavadiyam is also mentioned in painting in Kailasanathar temple in Kanchi, Chithanavasal, Thiruvalansuzi, Pateeswaram, Chidambaram, Vaideeswaran emplekovil, Thiruvalankadu, thiruvelvekudi. In Kerala, it was named as "Mezavu". In Padmanabapura palace it is painted as Mahavishnu is playing this instrument.

In Tiruvarur temple, the instrument can also be seen in the "Devasiriyar mandapam” (thousand pillar mandapam) in roof Maratha period herbal painting. Here this instrument is with wheels and other musical instruments (nearly 16) are also painted. Here the name of the painter also named as "Chithrakaran Singathanam". In Tiruvarur it is playing by artist "Muthukarar Sankaramoorthy's" as shown in the picture. They are family of Parasaiva. They are following a "thalam" and the rules and regulations of playing the Panchamugavadiyam, which are written on a palm leaf and preserved by his family. It has 19 slokas or verses. It must be played only by parasaiva who had Siva deekshai. These priests are also poojari of "Pedariamman'. They are playing this with 7 thalas and 35 type Jathis. They should dressed with red dress and red flower and Sandalwood paste (santhanam).

The story in Shiva Purana goes that when LORD SIVA destroyed thireepuram of the three demons named Tharaghakshan, Vidyulmali and Vaaranasuran, they prayed for his mercy. Lord Siva appointed two of them as his gate keepers (Dwarapalaka) and Vaaranasuran, the third one as to play Panchamugavadiyam. This is described in Koorma Puranam by Adiveerarama Pandian. However, in Tiruvarur temple, it is painted as Lord Vishnu is playing it. In some temples, it is shown as Lord Nandhi or Adi Sheashan or Boothaganams playing Panchamugavadiyam.

In this temple it is placed on a wheeled platform so that it can be dragged to where ever Sri Thyagaraja goes. Tiruthuraipoondi temple also has Panchamugavadiyam; however, there is nobody to play it.

References:
1. "Kudamuza" by Mr. Kudavasal Balasubramaniam.