Vasishteswarawamy Temple at Thittai is an ancient temple near
Thanjavur. This is one of the Nava Graha ( Nine Planets) Temples. The
presiding deity is a Swayambu Lingam and gets his name because he was
worshipped here by Saint Vashishtar.The Goddess is Ulaganayaki or
Sugantha Kundalambal.
A unique feature of this temple is a drop of water falls on the Lingam
(Main Diety) exactly every twenty four minutes from the
roof of the Vimanam(tower above the sanctum). Two stones “Suryagaanthakkal”(sun stone) and
“Chandragaanthakkal” ( moon stone) are placed at strategic points above
the Vimana. These 2 stones absorb moisture from the atmosphere, convert
into one water
droplet, performing a natural Abhishegam to the diety, every 24
minutes. Another special here is that the “Guru Bhagavan” has a separate sanctum
inside this temple itself.
I am going to be away for a fortnight on a tour of the State of Gujarat (Western India) and hence will not be posting/commenting until my return. Bye for now.
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| The Chettiar who contributed financially to the construction of this temple |
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| The Chettiars wife |
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| The four holy saints who have visited this temple between 7th-9th centuries and sung hymns in praise of the Lord |
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| Siva and Parvati seated on the celestial bull |
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| Lord Ganesha seated on his mushika vahana ( mouse vehicle) |
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| The holy Teertham or water tank |
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| The Vimanam or entrance tower |
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| Our group posing in front of the Vimanam |
It makes one wonder in awe at the great talent and amazing skill that our sculptors and temple sthapathis had in bygone days.Thank you for bringing these out
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your tour of Western India!
ReplyDeletethose sculptures are amazing... enjoy your time away... stay safe
ReplyDeletethe colors of the temple are very pretty. i like the water droplet! be safe and well.
ReplyDeleteHey I thought you were visiting Kutch?
ReplyDeletecool statues
ReplyDeleteYour group look small in front of a pretty statue, large
ReplyDeleteyou are having an awesome trip...
ReplyDeleteLooks like we are missing something interesting that the fellow at the far left saw.
ReplyDeleteSuch lovely sculptures. Thanks for sharing this lovely post!
ReplyDeleteThe Chettiar and his wife's sculptures are so beautiful with sharp features. I have to bookmark this temple now. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteOh wow Ram, I can't believe the astounding ingenuity of organizing a droplet every 24 min exactly, how brilliant is that! Wonderful details once more. I hope you have a wonderful trip, have a safe journey.
ReplyDeleteWonderful sculptures of the temple. I never knew of this temple.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos on the temple and sculptors! That’s great knowing about the drop of water falling on the Lingam.
ReplyDeleteI think that you have a great life!!
ReplyDeleteGreat pics, it really shows how talented those sculptors were!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos... and nice writeup
ReplyDeletethanks
Lovley place Rama! Have a great trip to Gujrat!
ReplyDeleteWow! What a great post with wonderful pictures of the temple and of these sculptures!
ReplyDeleteLove the photo of your group posing in front of the Vimanam.
PS: Many thanks for your nice comment on my daughter's photos on my post "Summer Holidays". Yes, would be great to have your visit at my house someday. You and your family would be very welcome! :)
Statues are so vigorous. I feel they give me energy. And the temple is colorful, cute.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your trip!
I've heard about this temple, but I don't remember being there.
ReplyDeleteI dunno. I might have gone there when I was 2-3 yrs old!!! :) :) :)
Let me go and search my old photos....
Bhusha's TRAVELOGUE
Lovely temple ... First pictures is amazing . Nice to know about this temple.
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