24-12-2012: Sirkazhi, known for the famous temple for Lord Shiva and is also associated with the birth of Tirugnanasambandar, one of the 3 most revered Saints of that time. When Saint Sambandar as a 3 years old child was crying on the banks of the temple tank, Goddess Parvati appeared in person and fed him with Gnanapaal, (milk of wisdom). Thereafter, Sambandar started singing in praise of the God Shiva with his first and famous Pathigam "Thodudaya Sevian".
The Lord here has three sanctums in a three tiered sanctum. Brahmapureeswarar at the lower level, Thoniyappar. at the mezzanine level & Sattainathar at the top level.
According to mythology, when the great deluge (pralayam) started submerging the whole earth, God Shiva carried the 64 arts in a Thoni (boat) with him and landed at Sirkazhi which was not submerged in the great deluge. God Brahma after worshiping Shiva here, started afresh his job of creating life forms. Because Brahma worshiped Shiva, he is known here as Brahmapureesar and also as Thoniappar for carrying the 64 arts with him in the Thoni (boat).
To this town also belongs a famous son of the soil - Isaimamani "Padma Sri" Dr. Sirkazhi Govindarajan, the great singer with the golden voice, is respected by millions all around the globe as a maestro of Indian Classical, Devotional and Film music, with an excellent voice range and tonal purity. His ringing voice, rendering the songs with expression and expertise, with clear pronunciation of the language, and with classicism intact, was his specialty.
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| The Temple Tank containing holy tirtham or holy water |
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| The large courtyard with corridors all round for circumambulation |
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| The Beautiful Brahmapureeswarar Vimanam above the sanctum - You can also see the Lord Brahma seated on a lotus along with his consorts |
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| The Three Temples - for Brahmapureeswarar at Lower level,Thoniappar at the first floor ( see the small window with golden roof above) and Sattainathar ( see the corrugated roof top). |
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| View of the Vimanam of Ambal Sanctum as seen from Sattainathar Sanctum |
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| View of the vast corridored courtyard seen from the Sattainathar Sanctum |
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| Devotees meditating at Sattainathar Sanctum |
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| Idol of Bhairavar |
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| Idol of Bhikshadanar |
Thanks RR for your latest! Sirkazhi was famous for Sirkazhi Govindarajan's melodious vocal music for years.Apart from giving information the photographs come alive! Thanks again, ERR.
ReplyDeleteThanks ERR. I have now added a para on this great & famous singer.
DeleteNice post. The temples in south India are always so vibrant in design.
ReplyDeleteRegards :)
My new post about Recalling the legacy of Shivaji in Raigad Fort
Nice post. The temples in south India are always so vibrant in design.
ReplyDeleteRegards :)
My new post about Recalling the legacy of Shivaji in Raigad Fort
interesting place...
ReplyDeleteAlway the pushkarini (water tank) is a delight to shoot huh?
ReplyDeleteIs the water holy water before it goes in the tank or does it go in the tank and then become holy water?
ReplyDeleteThe water in the Temple tank is basically underground water like a large open well. It is made holy by adding Cardamom, Karpura (Benzoin), zaffron / saffron, Tulsi (Holy Basil), Clove etc.This water is used to wash the idol and in the process the water gets magnetically charged.This increases medicinal properties.Three spoons of this holy water is distributed to devotees.The clove essence protects one from tooth decay, the saffron & Tulsi leafs protects one from common cold and cough, cardamom and Pachha Karpuram (benzoin), act as mouth fresheners . It is proved that Theertham is a very good blood purifier, as it is highly energized . Hence it is given as prasadam to the devotees. This way, one can claim to remain healthy by regularly visiting the Temples and partaking of Teertham.
DeleteAnother great post for virtual tour lovers, like me.
ReplyDeleteWonderful temple with interesting stories. Lovely post!
ReplyDeletehttp://rajniranjandas.blogspot.in/2013/09/danglers.html
Beautiful photos from the temple! Great information... obviously the first thing comes to mind when pronouncing Sirkazhi is Govindarajan. I too like his son Siva Chidambaram, whose voice is similar to his father.
ReplyDeleteNice photos and good information you have shared :)
ReplyDeleteRegards
Our new post is about the Last Home of the Indian Khur Species
Nice photos and good information you have shared :)
ReplyDeleteRegards
Our new post is about the Last Home of the Indian Khur Species
I have to visit this temple too. The water tank is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteWhen we say 'sirkazhi' Govindarajan accompanies it automatically. His devotional songs are my favourites. 'Ullaththil nalla ullam' is an ever green film song of his!
Beautiful coverage. Regarding "Sattainathar" you have not given any details. Regards.
ReplyDeleteN.Paramasivam