Chidambara Ragasiyam(Secrets of Chidambaram Temple) We come across millions of stories, various theories put forward by many people, and scientists to look upon what our ancestors left behind for us or probably the possibilities of that they were trying to convey us things through what has been left behind. These things sometimes are so strange and unbelievable too but also fascinating and enthralling one’s very soul. Such one of the mysteries is this Chidambara Ragasiyam which grabbed my attention when I came across the facts of this temple which is located in South of India in Tamilnadu at a small town called Chidambaram. Let’s unravel some of the proven facts that’ll amuse us.
Natrajar Idol statue Many of the western scientists were researching the hidden secrets of the temple for several years have found one of the interesting facts that the temple is located at the exact central point of the magnetic equator to be on a more precise scale it’s also proven that the exact central point is the toe of the Natrajar’s Idol statue. But what is more surprising is that an ancient Tamil scholar named “Thirumoolar” has proven this fact Five thousand years ago in his treatise ‘Thirumandiram’. Many scholars are still trying to decode what they treatise is more trying to say and also prove the facts that they’ve got. The Architectural Miracle The Nataraja(Lord of Dance) is believed to be one of the forms of Lord Shiva, which further gives us another miracle. There are 8 temples of Lord shiva which exactly fall in the same longitude(79°E 41’54”) and the Thillai Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram is one among them too, Really is an architectural miracle provided with the fact that it was built around the 2nd century AD and was rebuilt by the Cholas in 10th Century AD around the time where there wasn’t even a satellite depicting locations. There are many other characteristics of this temple too. The Chidambaram temple is based on the Human body. Yes, it’s true!! There are 9 entrances in the Chidambaram Temple which also signifies 9 orifices/openings of the Human body. The Temple’s roof is made of 21600 gold sheets which shows the 21600 breaths taken by a human being every day. These 21600 gold sheets are fixed on the roof (Gopuram) using 72000 gold nails which denote the total number of Nerves in the human body. Scientists have also researched for many years and also have suggested that the Natrajar Statue’s posture represents the Cosmic dance. What cosmic dance says that is when we go far across the universe even beyond our galaxies, we reach an end where the whole space looks exactly the shape of the Natrajar Statue. So fascinating, isn’t it! Natrajar statue at CERN The European Centre for Research in Particle Physics in Geneva-CERN had unveiled in 2004 the two meter-tall statue of Nataraja, the form of Shiva depicted in the dance posture. The deity, representing the cosmic cycles of creation and destruction also depicts the dynamics of subatomic particles, the basis of creation of the universe that is being researched by physicists around the world The whole fact that Chidambaram Ragasiyam is trying to put forward to us is that We and the Universe are the same (We are part of the Universe and the Universe is a part of us). The scientist of this generation is finding that these facts are true after these many years of research and development but the scholars of ancient times have found all those things without advancement in technology as we do. But it is still a question to us how did our ancestors find all these mysteries way many years before. Were they more advanced than we were? Why did they convey those in forms that were complex to understand? Did they want or not we to understand? We may or may not know, but it’s a real proud feeling for all of us to know all our ancestors were such great intellect and came with such astonishing discoveries. Some of us believe in god and some of us don’t, but it is a fact that all the things varying from the temples, manuscripts, idol statue and many more had so many more meanings and meanings to the existence and the universe too. The very question of the Universe maybe be personified in the forms of temples and idols, so start looking more when you enter a holy place, you may end up getting many possible answers too. Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx II 1. Kamakhya Devi Temple: Guwahati, Assam This temple is slightly different – it has no statues to pray to. Also, every monsoon, something extraordinary happens – the Goddess supposedly menstruates. It's a bit unusual, but people celebrate it. The temple is open every day from 5:30 AM to 10:30 PM. If you are a newlywed couple, you might want to visit – people say it's a must. Inside, instead of a regular idol, you will find a stone shape representing a part of the female body called "Yoni." Devotees cover it with a red saree. Also, the temple closes in June when the Goddess is said to bleed, turning the underground water red. They celebrate this with a festival called Ambubachi for three days. For the regular public, there is no entry fee. But if you are from parliamentary or defense forces, you might need to pay a small fee. There are also special entry options if you want a unique experience. Kamakhya Devi Temple 2. Kal Bhairav Nath Temple: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh This mysterious temple is dedicated to Lord Kal Bhairav Nath, a reincarnation of Lord Shiva. The timings are from 5:30 AM to 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM to 10:00 PM. Here's the twist – instead of traditional offerings, people offer wine or whiskey to the deity. You won't find the usual garlands or sweet shops here. Devotees buy these spirits from stalls outside the temple before entering. If you seek courage and happiness, worshiping Kal Bhairav is the way to go. Expect long queues, but it's worth it, especially during special Hindu occasions. The crowd's magical enthusiasm adds to the unique experience of this mysterious temple in Varanasi. 3. Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala In the heart of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, stands the mysterious Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. This sacred place has some special rules – only people who believe in Hinduism can enter. To keep the temple pure, people from other religions are not allowed inside. The temple is dedicated to Lord Padmanabhaya, an avatar of Vishnu. People believe that visiting this temple can make their wishes come true. It's an ancient temple dating back to the 8th century CE, and the Chera style of architecture inspires its design. Before you visit, remember there's a dress code. Men must wear dhoti and women should wear a saree. No modern clothes are allowed inside. The temple is taken care of by a trust led by the Royal Family of Travancore. You can't bring any electronic devices inside, and the wealth stored in the cellars is guarded with Z-Security by the government. 4. Venkateshwara Temple: Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh In the Tirupati region of Andhra Pradesh, you will find the mystical Venkateshwara Temple. Around 50,000 pilgrims visit daily to worship Lord Venkateshwara, also known as Balaji or Vishnu. What makes this temple mysterious is not just its spiritual aura but also its unique entry procedure. To enter, you must submit a declaration form expressing your faith in Lord Venkateshwara. It's so intriguing that international tourists are drawn to this place. The deity inside wears real hair and has been known to sweat. Strangely, the back of the idol gets moist, even though priests keep trying to dry it. A fascinating fact is that devotees claim to hear sea waves when they carefully place their ears on the backside of the deity's image. This temple is not just spiritually rich but also one of the wealthiest in India, with an annual turnover of around 6.5 million USD. It doesn't rely on donations and is famous for the Tirupati Festival. Devotees express their gratitude by donating their hair, and many brave ones, both men and women, shave their heads. If you want a special entry, there's a VIP option for 300 INR (approx.). Physically challenged people have a special Darshan time from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM (approx.). 5. Mehandipur Balaji Temple: Dausa, Rajasthan Picture a temple where you might hear screams and see some strange things. That's Mehandipur Balaji in Rajasthan. It's not just any temple – it's quite mysterious. Here, priests perform something called exorcism, like in the movies, to help people who feel the bad effects of negative spirits. It's all dedicated to Lord Hanuman, who helps eliminate troubles. The temple is open every day from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM and 12:00 PM to 8:30 PM. But something special on Tuesday evenings is an Arti ceremony dedicated to Lord Hanuman. People come here from all over, hoping to cure their family or friends from things like black magic or evil spirits. But be warned, it can be disturbing. You might see people hanging, pouring hot water on themselves, or even chained by a priest. It's different from your usual temple visit. 6. Meenakshi Amman Temple: Madurai, Tamil Nadu In the heart of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, there's a special place called Meenakshi Amman Temple. It's not just a temple; it's a mysterious and powerful place where something extraordinary happens. Locals believe that Lord Shiva smiles here, and this temple strongly connects with the whole city of Madurai. This temple is dedicated to Meenakshi, also known as Goddess Parvati, and Sundareswarar, Lord Shiva. It's open daily from 3:15 AM to 12:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 7:20 PM. Covering a massive 14-acre area, Meenakshi Amman Temple is not just big; it's also incredibly old, with sculptures dating back around 3000 years. The architecture, inspired by the Dravidian style, is a wonder itself. Inside are about 33,000 sculptures and 4000 pillars, each made from a single rock! The temple even had a chance to be one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and it's the cleanest iconic place in India under the Swachh Bharat Mission. People believe praying here with a pure heart can make their wishes come true. Meenakshi Amman Temple 7. Veerabhadra Temple: Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh Now, let's talk about the Veerabhadra Temple in the Lepakshi district of Andhra Pradesh. It's a mysterious temple because of something unusual – out of 70 huge pillars, one pillar doesn't touch the ground! This hanging pillar is a fascinating sight for many visitors. This temple, dating back to the 16th century, is dedicated to Lord Kal Bhairav Nath, a reincarnation of Lord Shiva. You can visit any day of the week from 5:00 AM to 8:30 PM. The hanging pillar is not just for show; you can even put a cloth under it to see the space between the pillar and the ground. As you explore the temple, admire the ancient engineering marvel and the beautiful carvings of gods and goddesses on the walls and pillars. It's a place where history and mystery come together. 8. Channapatna Dog Temple: Ramanagara, Karnataka Traveling to the Ramanagara district in Karnataka, about 50 kilometers from Bangalore, you will discover the Channapatna Dog Temple. Here, dogs are not just pets; they are worshipped! Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is open from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM. Locals believe that dogs are connected to the Egyptian God of death, and by worshipping them, they aim for salvation. If you are planning a trip to Bangalore, this offbeat temple is worth a visit. 9. Lingaraja Temple: Bhubaneshwar, Odisha Now, let's explore the Lingaraja Temple in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha. It's the biggest temple in Bhubaneshwar, dedicated to Lord Shiva. This mysterious temple dates back to the 11th century. Something fascinating about this temple is that it looks way bigger than it is because of an optical illusion. Inside, there's a special Lingam, a symbol of Lord Shiva, and it's believed to be self-originated, called "Swayambhu." Built-in the 11th century, the Lingaraja Temple has a rich history. Devotees come here to offer milk and bhang to the Lingam. Two yellow lions guard the main gate, and inside, you will find different parts like the dance hall, music hall, and prayer hall. This temple showcases the Kalinga-style architecture, and as you explore, you will be fascinated by the intricate designs. It's not just a temple; it's a place where history and spirituality come together. You can visit any day between 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM. 10. Kailasa Temple: Ellora Caves, Maharashtra Let's talk about the Kailasa Temple in Ellora Caves, Maharashtra. It's a special temple because it's not built; it's carved from a single rock! Imagine a whole temple made from a mountain with lots of detailed carvings. This temple is the biggest rock-cut Hindu temple in the 16th-century Ellora Caves. People made this temple for Lord Shiva. You can visit anytime between 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM. The Kailasa Temple is like no other. It's built on a single rock; inside, some carvings tell stories from the Ramayana. A long time ago, the Mughal King Aurangzeb wanted to destroy these caves, but surprisingly, nothing happened to the Kailasa Cave Temple. Archaeologists think we still need to figure out around 30 million carvings in Sanskrit. Some say it's mysterious because no one today has the skills to make something so detailed. When you visit, you will feel the special vibes inside this holy temple complex. Kailasa Temple 11. Ananthapadmanabha Lake Temple: Kasaragod, Kerala Let's talk about the Ananthapadmanabha Lake Temple in Kasaragod, Kerala. It's a temple in the middle of a lake, making it quite mysterious. The special thing about this temple is its guardian – a crocodile named Babia. This crocodile is not like others; it's a vegetarian! Babia, the crocodile, guards the temple without harming anyone. Even though crocodiles are known as fierce meat-eaters, Babia only eats the temple prasad, which includes cooked rice and jaggery. Devotees even feed Babia with their hands after the noon worship. Babia has been living in the lake for around 70 years, and surprisingly, it gets along well with humans. The temple's history dates back to the 9th century, with remarkable wood carvings displaying scenes of Lord Vishnu's incarnations. The priest of the temple and Babia share a unique bond. Once, Babia came out of the pond, but upon the priest's request, it turned around and returned. It's not just Babia; other fishes are in the pond, and this vegan crocodile has harmed none. Ananthapadmanabha Lake Temple is genuinely an enigmatic and mysterious place in India. 12. Stambheshwar Mahadev: Kavi Kavoi Village, Gujarat Picture a temple that appears and disappears with the tides! That's the wonder of Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple near Vadodara in Gujarat. It's dedicated to Lord Shiva and has unique timings from 6:30 AM to 10:00 PM. This temple is special because it's right between the Arabian seashores and the Bay of Cambay. During high tides, the waves swallow the temple, and you can't see it. But when the tides are low, it magically becomes visible. It's a unique experience that showcases the beauty of nature. 13. Kodungallur Sree Kurumba Bhagavathy Temple: Kodungallur, Kerala Imagine a temple where things happen a bit differently. In the Thrissur district of Kerala, there's a place called Kodungallur Sree Kurumba Bhagavathy Temple, and it's a bit mysterious. What's unique about this temple is the Bharani Festival, which takes place every year between March and April. It's pretty different from other festivals. In the past, animals were part of the rituals, but now it's not allowed. What's truly surprising is how devotees from the village enter the temple. They drink as a part of the ritual, and here comes the more surprising part – they chant abusive words and sing unusual bhakti songs. Both men and women actively join in for seven days, carrying swords in their hands. During the festival, they even hit themselves on the head with the swords, and yes, it makes blood flow. After this unique festival, the temple must close a bit to clean up the bloodstains. III Yes, the sacred tank at the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, India, does not contain any fish: According to legend, the Hindu god Shiva promised a stork that no fish or other marine life would grow in the tank, called Potramarai Kulam or the Golden Lotus Tank. The tank is a central part of the temple's spiritual significance and is used by devotees to bathe before visiting the temple. The tank is also said to have been used by the ancient Tamil Sangam academy of poets to judge the worth of new works of literature. Poets would place their works on a float in the tank, and those that were well-written would float, while poorly written works would sink. The golden lotus is a symbol of divine beauty and transcendence in the temple's mythology, and appears in many of its sculptures and carvings Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx IV The Surya Tilak, or Surya Abhishek, is a ritual in which sunlight is directed to illuminate the forehead of a deity in a temple as a symbol of reverence and devotion. The term Surya Abhishek comes from the words Surya (sun) and abhishek (a purifying ritual). The Surya Tilak is a combination of optics and mechanics. For example, in the newly-built Ram temple in Ayodhya, a special mirror-lens arrangement was designed by astronomers at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) to project a beam of sunlight onto the forehead of Lord Ram's idol. The ritual is performed on Navami day each year at noon, illuminating the idol's forehead for about 6 minutes. The Surya Tilak mechanism has been used in ancient temples in the Indian subcontinent. Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx V In the village of Sennakkalpudur within the Mohanur Union of Namakkal District in Tamil Nadu, there exists a modest shrine devoted to Sabarishthanathan Ayyappa Swamy. During the Tamil month of Chithirai, specifically on April 15, 16, 17, 18, and several other days within this period, there’s a unique phenomenon where sunlight directly illuminates the deity’s idol from 6:18 AM to 6:24 AM. Every morning, devotees gather to witness and offer their respects during this occurrence. The event where sunlight shines upon the idol of Ayyappa Swamy is celebrated in a grand manner in the village as it is considered a divine intervention. Following this, a special ritualistic bath (abhishekam) is performed, followed by ornate decorations, including the lighting of lamps and the display of the Maha Deepam. Numerous devotees actively participate in these rituals. This year, the Tamil month of Chithirai has fallen between April 14 and May 13 and the event has already taken place several times last month. Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx VI Sun rays fell on Gavi Gangadhareshwara temple’s Shiva Linga in sanctum sanctorum on January 15. Gavi Gangadhareshwara temple witnessed this phenomenon on the day of Makar Sankranti. Notably, Makar Sankranti is a Hindu festival that marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara) on its celestial path. This festival usually takes place on January 14 or 15 every year. Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx VII MOHANUR ACHALA DEEPESWARAR TEMPLE SPECIALITIES Mostly temples are East facing and there are very few temples that face west and this is one of the west facing temples. So what does the Lord Shiva look at facing the west, River Cauvery ofcourse. Did I specify this temple is located in the banks of river Cauvery? The Saivate temples located in the banks of river Cauvery are very special by themselves. Remember, Kulithalai and Kodumudi??? Its all in the banks of River Cauvery. Another major feature of the temple – is very much within the Achaladeepeshwarar’s sanctum sanctorum. There is oxygen in here, there is air, but there is no wind. So what? So, the diya or the lamp lighted in here does not flutter or move at all! Its perfectly still.... Miraculous? Indeed!!! A special prayer here in this temple, is Mouna Viratham. That is essentially a silence prayer. To stay in this temple for a few days and be silent throughout and offering that silence itself to the Lord is considered a very special prayer. This offering is especially for child bearing issues. Did I specify earlier that this temple is a pregnancy specialty temple??? After we came across wedding and women health specialty temples in my older posts, now this is pregnancy specialty temple!!! This offering is further extended by cooking along with the maintenance of the silence and performing Annadanam (food offering to general public). Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx VIII அருள்மிகு மரகதாம்பாள் சமேத ரவீஸ்வரர் ஆலயம், வடசென்னையில் உள்ள வியாசர்பாடி பகுதியில் அமைந்துள்ளது. சோழர் காலத்தில் கட்டப்பட்ட இக்கோயில் மிகவும் பழமையானது. இக்கோயில் பல அதிசயங்களையும் புராணப் பின்னணியும் கொண்டது. ரவீஸ்வரர் ஆலயம் ஒரு முறை பிரம்மதேவரின் கோபத்திற்கு ஆளாகி, பூமியில் பிறந்த சூரிய பகவான். நாரதரின் ஆலோசனைப்படி இங்கு வந்து, வன்னி மரத்தடியில் சிவலிங்கம் பிரதிஷ்டை செய்து, ஒரு தீர்த்தத்தை உருவாக்கி, சிவபெருமானை வழிப்பட்டார், சூரிய பகவான். பிரார்த்தனையில் மகிழ்ந்த சிவபெருமான், சாபவிமோசனம் அளித்து, அருளினார். இதன் காரணமாக இக்கோவில் மூலவரான சிவபெருமான் 'ஸ்ரீரவீஸ்வரர்' (ரவி என்றால் சூரியன்) என வழங்கப்படுகிறார். சிவபெருமான் சந்நிதி கிழக்கு நோக்கி அமைந்துள்ளது. சந்நிதிக்கு எதிரே உள்ள சுவரில் சிவலிங்க வடிவிலான துளை உள்ளது. சூரியக் கதிர்கள் சிவலிங்கத் துவாரத்தின் கோயிலின் முன் மண்டபத்தில் வழியே மூலவர் ரவீஸ்வரர் மீது அன்றாடம் அதிகாலை விழுவது ஈசனுக்கு செய்யப்படும் முதல் பூஜை என நம்பப்படுகிறது. The Arulmigu Marakathambal Sametha Raveeswarar Temple is located in the Vyasarpadi area of North Chennai. This temple, built during the Chola period, is very old. This temple has many wonders and mythological background. Raveeswarar Temple Once, Lord Surya, who was angered by Lord Brahma, was born on earth. On the advice of Narada, he came here, installed a Shivalinga under a Vanni tree, created a teertham and worshipped Lord Shiva, Lord Surya. Pleased with the prayers, Lord Shiva granted him the remission of the curse and granted him grace. Due to this, Lord Shiva, the founder of this temple, is called 'Sri Raveeswarar' (Ravi means Sun). The shrine of Lord Shiva faces east. There is a hole in the wall opposite the shrine in the shape of a Shivalinga. It is believed that the first puja performed to Lord Shiva is when the sun's rays fall on the deity Raveeswarar every morning through the front hall of the temple through the Shivalinga entrance. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx IX SARABESWARAR Tiruppur tyemple with growth of human sculptures video below: https://youtu.be/Ax_AQwpjceU xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx X Kundadam Kongu Vaduganatha Swamy temple: From Dharmapuri/Krishnagiri District, let us now enter Tiruppur District. The first place to visit is Kundadam Shri Kongu Vaduganathaswamy Temple. Kundadam is around 10 kms from Dharapuram on the Dharapuram-Palladam road. This is another ancient Shiva temple in Kongunadu. As I had mentioned in other write ups, in several temples like Thirunallar, Thirupathur etc,though the temples are those of Shiva, they are mainly known as Saneeswara, Bhairava temple etc. Same thing has happened here. This is a Shiva temple and the Lord is Vidangeswarar and the Mother is Visalakshi. However the temple is known more as Bhairava Kshetra, thanks to the presence of Shri Vaduga Bhairava. As per legend, this area was once known as Hindu Forest and Vidanga Maharishi was doing tapas here. Since there were lot of interruptions to his spiritual activities, he prayed to Shri Kasiviswanathar. Since Kasi is the most important Bhairava Kshetra, Lord sent one of His forms, Vaduga Bhairava, to offer protection to the Rishi. Vaduga’s protection helped the Rishi in completing his Tapas. After a long time, both Vidangar and Bhairava were completely covered by sand. Some merchants belonging to one of the trading communities- Vanniya Chettiars- were passing through this area on their way to Madurai. Vaduga wanted to test them. He took the form of an old Brahmin and requested the traders to give him some pepper to get relief from cough. Though the traders were carrying pepper, they did not to part with this costly spice and told the old man that they have only green gram. Finally when they reached the Pandya’s palace in Madurai, they were ordered by the King to hand over the pepper. When the traders opened their bags, they contained only greengram! The King was enraged and ordered imprisonment of the traders. Vadugar gave a celestial message ( asariri ) that it was He who changed the material. The King fell on his knees and prayed to Vadugar and requested Him to give relief to his deaf and dumb children. Vadugar ordered him to come to the Hindu Forest. The King reached the Hindu Forest and saw the sand covered Vidangar and Vadugar and prayed to Them. His children became normal and the grateful King constructed this temple. The vanniya chettiars also contributed for the construction. This story is very similar to the one we have heard in Thanthondreeswarar temple in Belur ( Salem Dt ) which also gives us the reason for the naming of a town as Ulundurpet. Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx K Rajaram IRS 221224 -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Thatha_Patty" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/CAL5XZoowh2i%2BpegxQfRb3LgGjTfDrrcWisfxspy780irWypsPg%40mail.gmail.com.
