Temple Legend: The place is connected with a legend narrated in the ``Thiruvilaiyadal Puranam." Ponnanaiyall, an ardent devotee of Lord Siva used to take bath in the river early in the morning, offer garlands and dance before the Lord daily. She spent all her earnings and wealth in feeding the devotees of the Lord. To test her, the Lord created in her mind the desire to carve out His idol in gold. Appearing before her as an ascetic (Siddhar) he claimed that He could turn any metal given to Him into gold. Promptly the girl handed over all the vessels in the house. The siddhar smeared holy ash on them and went away telling her that she would find them golden the next morning. So it happened and the girl turned over the collection to a goldsmith to make an idol. And what she saw was so enchanting that she pinched the deity's cheek leaving a permanent mark there. Her statue is found at the entrance of the temple along with those of the Siddhar, Chokkappa Nayak, the king who built many portions of the temple, his queen and his minister. The idol of Somaskandar, which bears the pinch mark on His cheek even now, is known as Ponnanaiyan and Azhagiyapiran. When Saint Gnanasambandar visited this place he was held up on the northern bank of the river. The Lord asked the celestial bull Nandi to stand a little aside to give him darshan. One therefore finds Nandi seated a little aside and not right in front of the sanctum sanctorum. On our return we stopped at a nice roadside Bakery that was selling oven fresh biscuits, cakes and other niceties. We picked up a whole lot of goodies before proceeding further.
Theppakulam - dry but green.Normally a water tank,presently serves as a playground.
Theppakulam - dry but green.Normally a water tank,presently serves as a playground.
The Entrance Tower to Tirupuvanam Temple
The Lord appearing as Siddhar or Ascetic
The Nayak King & his Queen paying obeisance to the Lord
Ponnanaiyall the ardent devotee who had unflinching faith in the Lord
Roadside bakery -sales girl posing in the midst of goodies
View of Bakery from Highway
35 comments:
nice pics
factory fresh
interesting pic
What a lovely place. The 1st pic looks like an oasis, trees surrounding the temple. Beautiful.
Nice pics..Interesting story as well.. Please guide us with the route info to visit this place..
@Arun: Located 20 km east of Madurai on the road to Manamadurai, on the southern bank of the river Vaigai. Its around 5 Kms after the highway bakery.
What sorts of goodies was she selling? I am interested in Indian food. Next time, please take close-ups. Lol.
The long shot you have of the temple with the playing maidhan in the fore ground is good.
It is quite cruel of the Gods to test the devotee despite of her apparent devotion .
Fascinating myths that have cocooned every temple and place of worship. In that sense India is unique a place of legends and myths of yore.
I've decided from reading your blog and others similar to it that one could spend a lifetime visiting the various temples in India!
I love that Fresh Factory sign. Could you get "old" stuff from a fresh factory? ;-)
Nice articles. I'm just blogwalking and very happy to stop here. And also give you some comment and following your blog here.
Dont forget to give us some your comment into my blog and following me back too.
What a gorgeous place - exotic and serene! Hope your weekend is lovely!
Beatiful clicks...loved the fist click of the temple looks so divine...lovely write up as well:)
I would love to see that temple in person! one could probably live their whole life in India and not see all the hidden gems that this beautiful land has to showcase :)))
Fascinating temple! I like how the statues are decorated. Factory Fresh looks like a great place!
I know that this is a famous temple. But the moorthys look neglected.
Next time when I visit Madurai, I will visit this temple, thank you!
Everybody seems to take notice of the 'fresh' bakery! Did you taste something there?!
nice travelogue with beautifully captured photos...
thanks for leaving a comment on my post
@ Thanks everyone for your nice comments - yes the bakery is a nice stop over point with good ambiance, around 5 Kms before the temple. They have a variety of delicious cakes,cookies & biscuits besides samosas, patties, puffs & soft drinks.The girl at the counter is very friendly-she attends college in the forenoon and works at the bakery from noon to night.She needs the money to pay her college fee.
I have never been to this temple and shall visit during my next India trip. Very beautiful temple and informative post.
Beautiful place and nice escription.
www.rajniranjandas.blogspot.com
Nice post and a beautiful pic!!
A lovely place. There are many temples to visit in India and I used to hear of friends and their families who have only temple visits on their itineraries!
Wonderful temples. The first temple had water all around it when I had been to Madurai.
Wonderful description of this place . First pic stands out for me .
@anilkurup: Yes each temple has its own unique legend/story as told by the priest.This is what makes these visits fascinating as also other interesting factors like history,art & architecture,sculpture, customs, rituals etc.
@Maryam Maquillage: True it is not possible to see all the temples in India in one's lifetime - perhaps even several life times may not be sufficient:)
Nice temples, and good story too.
@Lowell: You will require several life times to complete your temple tours :)
Lovely place and an interesting post with great clicks.
The Entrance Tower standing on the large green space is so beautiful!
Looks calm and historical place.
RedRose.
The Entrance Tower to Tirupuvanam Temple standing on the large green space is so beautiful. Looks calm.
RedRose
A water tank turned into a playground...how things change with time. The details in the temple are beautiful
Many a time Ive passed by this bakery...never stopped to check out...wonderful post
Beautiful pics. I have been there years ago, this post made me nostalgic...
And that factory fresh pic seems interesting:)
Have a wonderful week ahead:)
Incredible hand made pieces of art work!!!
What a beautiful wooden carving works...each one of the art is very admirable...Only a skillful hands can do such a lovely artwork:)....lovely photography as well!
The Temble is GREAT!
Wonderful photos and in the end frech bred!!!
Lovely!
Gud one.. This place is close to my college. Bringing back the memories of my college days!
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