Kodiyamman

Thamizh Month Aadi

17^th of July, began the divinely important Thamizh Month Aadi. It’s also known as Aashada month and this is the perfect time to worship the Shakti form or the women goddess in the Hindu Mythology.

To go with the flow, today 19^th July, is the first Aadi Friday of the Thamizh month Aadi this year, I’m writing about Kodiyamman, her avatar, her temple and her connection to Thanjavur, Thanjapureeshwarar temple and Brihadheeshwarar temple.

As I said, Aadi month is a perfect month for spiritual worship of deities. Every Fridays’ during the Aadi month is so special to worship women deities, the form of Shakti. 18^th and 28^th day of Aadi month, River Cauvery is worshipped and welcomed into our state for flowing untiringly and helping lakhs of families for earning their livelihood through agriculture.

People worship various forms of Goddess Shakti in every Thamizh month. Kaalarathri is the goddess and form of Shakti worshipped in Thamizh month Aadi. She looks like Batrakaali but is a different form of Shakti. Special offering of this Aadi month to Kaalarathri is Guava fruit. Worshipping Kaalarathri helps to forget all the sorrows of life and stabilizes happiness in one’s life.

Kodiyamman Temple, Thanjavur

Kodiyamman temple is located near Palliagrahaaram, Thanjavur. She is one of the guardian deity of Thanjavur. By roadways, if one wants to leave or enter Thanjavur, they have to come across her and shall have dharshan of Kodiyamman just sitting in their vehicle. Every vehicle that passes by this temple, is compulsorily stopped their, worships Kodiyamman and then people continue their journey.

Kodiyamman Temple

History of Ambal Kodiyamman dates back 2000 years old, 1000 years older than the Thanjavur Brihadheeshwarar temple. The main deity in the Garbhagriha is made up of wood carvings and lime material. The main deity Kodiyamman is facing northeast, whereas the Anandavalli ambal faces southwest direction, consort of Thanjapureeshwarar, a temple located nearby. The connection between these two temples is given in the below story.

This Kodiyamman comprises powers of both Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakti. That’s why the vehicle of Kodiyamman is Nandi. Generally women deities’ vehicle is lion, as Kodiyamman comprised herself with the power of Lord Shiva here, Nandi is the vehicle for Goddess. It’s because of the demons Thanjan and Tharan, who got boons from the trinity and were stronger than any other deity. 

During that time the places around these temple were used by devas’ to conduct yagnya and meditate towards Gods.

The great Parasara Muni (Sage) who was doing yagnya, there was no water at all. He prayed to Goddess Parvathi, in turn she creates the river Vadavar, tributary of River Cauvery by throwing the pearl chain around her neck. This river Vadavar back in those times was also known as Mani Mutharu.

Thanjan and Tharan

Sages and saints were conducting yagnya who might gain some knowledge and powers, as Thanjan and Tharan wanted no one to be powerful as them, they disturbed all thos sacred happenings. They disturbs the saints in the form of rain and air in order to cool down the fire in thee Yagnya. All the saints and Devas’ requesting all the trinity but trinity failed to protect them as they don’t harm their devotee. When these Devas’ approach Goddess Parvathi, she incarnates into a peaceful form of Kaali, who is green in color, in Kaalimedu (Now known as Kalimedu, near Srinivasapuram, Thanjavur). Kodiyamman becomes the last avatar of Anandavalli Amman of Thanjapureeshwarar temple. That’s why Kodiyamman faces Anandavalli Amman, in northeast and southwest direction. In those days, one Aarthi was offered to both the women deities, where the light of the aarthi shown to Kodiyamman falls on Anandavalli Amman.

Kodiyamman 

To escape from Goddess Parvathi, Thanjan and Tharan cloned themselves in crores of numbers, Goddess Parvathi too cloned herself into crores to destroy the demon. When she destroys all the clones of demons, her face turned into red color, color of coral, signifies the anger.

Thanjan requests Kodiyamman to rename the place where he was destroyed after him, so Goddess renames this place to Thanjai + Aavur = Thanjavur. Earlier this place was known as Alagapuri.

Important Festivals and Poojas

• One important festival of this temple is Pacha Kaali – Pavala kaali aatam, happens in the Thamizh month of Maasi. Where Kodiyamman starts from the temple and stays in Kalimedu for a day as it is her birthplace, then comes to her ‘in-laws’ house at West main street of Thanjavur.
• Aadi Fridays’ are special, as it’s an auspicious day for worshipping women deities.
• Special prayers are offered to lift up the black magic sufferings, marriage barriers and poojas for new vehicles as she is one of the guardian deity. Pournami (Full moon) Poojas are another important occasions.

Marriage play of Kodiyamman

The Marriage story of Kodiyamman is a small play by Lord Shiva himself, who comes in a normal human form and asks out Kodiyamman to marry him. She warns the man not to play with her, but the man is firm in his idea to marry her. When she gets married to the man, she curses the family of the man to carry no lineage in future. Later finds out that the man is none other than the Supreme Lord Shiva himself. Kodiyamman then shares the solution for the curse.

Chozhas Connections to Kodiyamman

Vijayalaya Chozhan, great grandfather of Raja Raja Chozhan, worshipped different Kaalis’ as their guardian deities. Even for guarding their territories as well as their families. Even before the times of Vijayalaya Chozhan, each and every decisions regarding country’s welfare, personal family decisions were made only after praying and considering Kodiyamman.

Kodiyamman, Brihadheeshwara temple and Raja Raja Chozhan

So when Raja Raja Chozhan wanted to construct such huge temple for Lord Shiva, having doubts on his capabilities and worried about the blessings from Lord Shiva, he asked Kodiyamman about all his worries regarding the temple. Raja Raja Chozhan geared up the work for the temple only after getting permission granted from Kodiyamman. After this they’ve constructed an underground pathway from the Brihadheeshwara temple to Kodiyamman temple. They have proof of this in the palm leaves.

This fact was even surprising for me. Raja Raja Chozhan is undoubtedly a great king of Chozha dynasty. I know that he’s an ardent devotee of Goddess Kaali. Seeking permission or blessings from Kodiyamman is a surprising fact.

That’s how Kodiyamman is connected to Brihadheeshwarar temple and Thanjapureeshwarar temple and also the main reason behind the city got its name after a demon.

Also feel free to contact priest Selvaraj of Kodiyamman temple for any offerings and Poojas in 9367182045.

Stay tuned for such Aadi special posts. I’m planning to come up with more such Amman temples around Thanjavur for this Aadi month.

Yours East Gaterr.

This man is just proving that "Age is just a number"

Today’s kids, the future generation as well as, the current generation, often gets lazy easily. We get addicted to the dumb box smartphones. Even we have the thinking to be active, do all kind of help our parents in household stuffs and all. Still something pulls us back to be seated and just jump into the smartphones, locked in our hands like a handcuff.

The reason I’m talking about laziness is just because, for the remaining parts I’m going to talk just the opposite of it. Laziness comes with great pleasure and a huge irrecoverable cost in our lives.

I frequently notice Shri Janaki Raman, 74 years old, who works in the Swaminatha Swamy temple, Swamimalai. When I approached him to talk to him, he welcomed me with a divinely smile. He serviced in Swamimalai temple 30 years. He also worked in Sarabeshwarar temple Thirubhuvanam, for 10 years.

Janakiraman Thatha

As you can see, he looks literally old, skinny and bones visible, still he is able to lift some good amount of weights of Pooja materials and all. He says, “These are all the gift of Lord Swaminatha”.

Shri Janaki Raman thatha (Grandpa), is retired and still servicing voluntarily in the temple. He said, when he was young, he carried water for the abhishekam for Lord Swaminatha Swamy, from the well which is located in the downstairs and he had to climb 60-70 steps, once or twice daily for that.

He sets the perfect example for proving “Age is just a number”. I’m very much inspired by his energetic working even though he is 74 years old. Whereas in today’s world many people find silly reasons to escape from their commitments.

Young kiddos, my friends and all other young and energetic people, get back your focus and work enthusiastically, don’t get stuck with the machinery life. 

Come on dear readers, if he can do such energetic works at his 74 years, why can't we do our own simple works without any excuses ?

Thought of sharing these kind of inspiring personalities from now on. Stay tuned!!

Yours East Gaterr

Temples Dharshan - Pradhakashinam 1A

Temple is a place of worship, filled with loads of positive energy. I love visiting temples, knowing about their histories, attracted by their architectural works, and also writing about them to let people know about the temples.

Since I took a year gap after my graduation, I travelled a lot and visited n number of temples. But with this blog post, I’m beginning with a new series called “Pradhakshinam”, where I’m just writing about the temple I’ve visited since the beginning of this year and also will complete the series till the year end. As I’ve visited more number of temples, I’ll write it in many parts.

Beginning with my all-time favorite temple, I’ve visited Brihadheeshwara Temple in Thanjavur many times. I’d still go to the temple as if it’s first time being there, I’ll wonder and surprised with the beauty of the architectural marvel forever.

Second is The Divine Queen of Thanjavur, Bangaru Kamakshi, located in the West Main Street of Thanjavur. I go to this temple every Tuesday and Friday. Bangaru Kamakshi fulfills our wishes if it’s reasonable and deserving.

Third is the Anugraha Anjaneyar, located in East gate Market of Thanjavur. This Anjaneyar is the main reason who made me to serve in many temples.

Thirukkarugavur

Thirukkarugavur, 25 kms from Thanjavur, is a small village. This temple is famous for offerings and prayers related to child birth and a happy marriage life. The main deity is Mullaivana Natha Swamy and goddess is Garbha Rakshambigai. From the name, we could easily understand that the goddess is known for protecting the child from womb, and also famous for giving boons related to child birth.

Patteeshwaram Durga Temple

Patteeshwaram, famous for Durga Temple, still the main deity is Dhenupureeshwarar and his consort Gyanambigai. This temple is located within 8 Kms from Kumbakonam. This temple dates back to the time of Lord Rama, by whom it is believed that the Shiva Linga was installed and worshipped to get rid of sins after killing Ravana. Still the Goddess Durga holds the limelight and is a Shantha Swarupini here.

Aadhi Kumbeshwarar Temple

Aadhi Kumbeshwarar temple, with presiding deity Aadhi Kumbeshwarar and his consort Mangala Nayaki, located in the heart of the town of Kumbakonam. This temple and deity is the main reason that this town got its name Kumbakonam. 

Rukmini Vittal Samsthan, Govindapuram

Built like the same Pandaripur Vittal Mandir, this temple located in Thiruvidaimarudhur, enroute Mayiladuthurai from Kumbakonam. This temple exactly makes us to feel as if we are in Pandaripur. The architecture of this temple is beautiful and this temple is equipped with one of the biggest Goshala.

Ganapathi Agrahaaram

This Mahaganapathy temple located in the parallel road which runs along the river Cauvery from Thiruvaiyaru is a famous temple. Great Saint Agasthiyar installed and worshipped Lord Ganesha and Maharishi Gautama worshipped Lord Ganapathy to save this world from famine. One fact about this temple and the village is, they name every boy born in this village after lord Ganapathy.

Chamundishwari temple, Mysuru

Mysuru Chamundishwari temple is one of the powerful Shakti Peetham. This temple is located atop of a small hill in Mysuru. This temple is also famous for the big Nandi built of Granite.

Mannargudi RajaGopala Swami Temple

Mannargudi’s Raja Gopala Swamy is a world famous deity. This temple is also known as the Dwaraka of South India. Here Utsava Moorthy of Lord Raja Gopala Swamy is Little Krishna in a form of shepherd. One of the biggest temple, famous for the worship of Sengamala Thayar, consort of Raja Gopala Swamy.

Thingalur Chandhiran Temple

This temple is one of the Parihara Kshetram of Navagraham. This temple is dedicated to the deity of Moon, from the Navagrahas. This temple located just next to Thiruvaiyaru within 3 Kms.

Thiruppazhanam Aapathsahayeshawarar

Thiruppazhanam is a small village located in the banks of River Cauvery, located in the parallel road that runs along the river from Thiruvaiyaru. The Main Deity is Aapathsahayeshwarar, means the God who helps in the time of hardships. Chandhran, one of the Navagraha has worshipped Lord Shiva in this Kshethram.

Jagath Rakshaga Perumal, Aaduthurai Perumal Kovil

Jagath Rakshaga Perumal, located in the road that comes along the river Cauvery from Thiruvaiyaru, is a Divya Desam Temple. This comes on the route of Thiruvaiyaru to Kumbakonam, name of the place is locally known as Aaduthurai Perumal Kovil, but the actual name is Thirukoodalur. This temple is where the Lord Vishnu took Varaha Avataram and went inside the land to find the demon Hiranyaksha who fought with mother Earth and hidden inside the land.

Swaminatha Swamy temple, Swamimalai

Swamimalai, one of the six abodes of Lord Karthikeya, located in the outskirts of Kumbakonam. The main deity is Swaminatha Swamy, who here taught his father Lord Shiva the Pranavaa Mantra 'OM'. Mother Earth worshipped Lord Swaminatha to get herself relieved from Goddess Parvati's curse. Even after relieving from the curse, she stayed back in form of Gooseberry tree.

Raja Durga, Thiruvarur

Raja Durga Temple, located just next to Thiruvarur Thyagaraja Temple southern entrance. This is one of the Zodiac sign Thulam and Kanni, chithirai star's Parihara Kshetram.

Thyagaraja Temple Thiruvarur

One of the world faamous temple. It takes a whole day for one to go and worship all the deities of thiss temple. The main deity is Lord Thyagaraja, means the king of all gods. Unlike other temples, Goddess Kamalambikai sits in a different position tilting her legs. Those who born here will attain Mukthi as it is meant for one of the Mukthi Sthalam.

Thiruvaiyaru

The main temple of Thiruvaiyaru. The main deity is Pranathaarthiharar aka Iyyarappar. Thiruvaiyaru is known for the 5 rivers, tributaries of Cauvery flowing and also famous for the Music Trinity Thyagaraja's music festival. This temple is equipped with the Sapta Oli praharam. It is believed that Nandi was born in this Kshetram.

Kali Amman Temple Salem

Located in the Main road of Ammapettai, Salem. This Kali Amman is vibrant and powerful. This temple has Navagraha, Anjaneyar and Naga Devtas sanctum.

Pattamangalam Dakshinamoorthy Temple

Dakshina Moorthy facing east is a speciality of this temple. Biggest Banyan tree located near the Dakshinamoorthy's shrine is the sthala vruksham. This temple is located in the Pattamangalam of Sivaganga district.

Vairavan Patti

This temple is one of the architectural beauty, mainly dedicated to Lord Bhairava. Devotees offer Vadamalai on Ashtami, which is a special day for Lord Bhairava. This temple is located in the Vairavan Patti Village of Sivaganga district.

Thirumayam Perumal Temple

During Pallava period, this temple was constructed along with a Shiva temple in the hill slope, to foster both the Shaivite and Vaishanavite philosophies. This temple is one of the 108 Divya Desam, located in Thirumayam.

Prathyangara Devi Temple, Ayyavadi

This powerful Prathyangara Devi temple is located near Nachiyar Kovil. While worshipping Goddess Prathyangara Devi, a chill goes through the spine. Goddess Prathyangara appeared from the Forehead of Lord Sarabeshwarar, so the goddess is with the lion face and 18 hands. Nikumbala Yagnya, which is done using loads of red chilly is the famous prayer. Worshipping this goddess in our homes is strictly prohibited as this is a Ugra(Angry) Devta.


I'm restricting myself to 20 temples for a post. For further details of the temples mentioned, readers can feel free to contact me through comments. Still many temples are there to write about. Stay tuned Makkalay !!!

Yours East gaterr