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Wednesday, 1 June 2011

Uppiliappan Temple

The Uppiliappan Temple, also known as Thiruvinnagar, Oppliyappan Temple, Oppiliappan Kovil and Oppiliappan Sannidhi is a Vishnu temple located near the village of Thirunageswaram in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu, India. The presiding deity in this temple is Lord Uppiliappan Perumal with his consort Bhumi Devi and her father sage Markandeya. The temple is regarded as one of the 108 Divya Desams.
The Temple is located about 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) from Kumbakonam and is reachable by the State highway SH-147. It one of the main pilgrimage centres of South India and is also known as "South Tirupathi".
The Thalapuraanam of this temple is discussed in the Brahmanda Purana, one of the eighteen Mahapuranas.
The legend associated with the temple is as follows; Once Tulasi did penance and asked of the Lord Vishnu, "You are bearing Lakshmi alone in your chest; I request such special blessing and attention for me also" to which the Lord replied "Lakshmi occupied my chest after severe penance and now she is about to incarnate on the banks of River Kaveri in bhoologam (Earth) with the name of Bhumi Devi. You may appear there prior to her as a tulasi plant and she will incarnate in your lap (i.e. under your shadow). "I will accept Lakshmi some days later" and since you were the support or "aathaaram" for her incarnation you will be rewarded as being very special to me in this temple; more than Lakshmi. One can attain the blessings of Lakshmi only after severe penance, but one who worships me with your ithaz (leaves), will get the effect of doing Ashvamedha yagam and those who dwell in your vanam as their place of living will surely attain moksham. You will always be the garland that is presented to me. I will accept the thulasi maalai first and will marry Lakshmi only after that".
On hearing this Tulasi appeared in Thiruvinnagaram. This is confirmed by the 53rd paasuram of Sri Nammazhwaar in Thiruviruththam.
Later, Mrikandu Maharishi's son, Markandeya worshipped the Lord Vishnu and desired for the boon that Lakshmi should appear as his daughter and the Lord himself should become his son-in-law. One day, when Markandeya was doing Theerththaadanam and Shethra yaaththirai, after reaching Thiruvinnagaram, he felt that this was the right place for getting his desire fulfilled. Markandeya then started a severe penance for 1000 years seeking Lakshmi's blessings.
After thousand years of severe penance, Lakshmi appeared as a baby under the already incarnated tulasi plant (tulasi chedi). Markandeya felt the presence of Lakshmi as the incarnation in the form of the baby and realised that a part of his desire had been fulfilled. He took possession of the baby and raised her.
When this young girl reached adolescent age or paruvam, one day on the panguni month of Sravana Nakshathram, the Lord appeared as an old man and asked for the hand of Markandeya's daughter in marriage. Markandeya replied that, "You are very ripe and old, my daughter is too young and she does not even know how to cook with proper salt (lavanam) contents. You may get angry and curse her if she does not cook properly. This is not fair. You are bodily old but mentally very aware. You must forgive me and bless me but this will not work out." To which the old man replied, "If your daughter must cook without salt, then I will still take it as my best food, but I will not leave from here without marrying her." Without knowing what to do, Markandeya sought the help of the ever protecting Lord Vishnu. It was then that he realised using his thapobalam, that the old man was none other than Lord Vishnu himself. When he opened his eyes the Lord appeared in front of him with conch and chakram as in Sri Vaikundam. Markandeya asked for forgiveness and offered his daughter's hand in marriage and performed the kannikaathaanam of his daughter (Lakshmi) to the Lord.
Since the Lord had said "I will accept the food that is not salted as my best and most desired food", this temple Neyvethiyam is always done without salt in any food. No one should ever take anything that contains salt into this temple and the puraanaas indicate that such persons who knowingly do so are believed to suffer in hell.


The name Oppiliappan is as result of this legend. However, Nammaazhwaar called him "Thannoppaarillappan", that is he who has no comparison (i.e. there is neither an equivalent nor superior to the Lord - mikaiyum oppum illaathavan).
There is also a story behind the tank in this temple. Once a King had consummated (punarchchi) with a daughter of a saint and hence the saint cursed him to become a bird. The King lived as a bird and one night when there was a storm and the branch of the tree the bird was sleeping on broke and fell into the water of this tank. The bird which got dipped by this accident in the tank regained its original form as the King and since then this is known as the only theerththam that one can do theerth thaadanam even in the night. In general "theerthAdanam " in the night is not recommended by our scriptures. Since this tank has such a healing power in the day as well as night, it is called "ahoraathra pushkarani".

Tuesday, 31 May 2011

Vayalur Murugan Temple

Thiruchirappali is well connected by rail to almost all major cities of India. By air, there are regular flights to Trichy from Chennai, Singapore, Malaysia, Sharjha and Columbo. Buses are available from almost all places of Tamil Nadu and Bangalore round the clock.
HistoryThis temple is around 1200 years old built during the reign of the Cholas.




The main deity in the temple is Lord Muruga, it is behind the Moolavar Shiva Sannithy. The other Sannithys in this temple are Moolavar arulmigu Athi Nathar (Lord Shiva).
TheerthamAgni Theertham also known as Shakthi Theertham. According to a legend, Lord Muruga himself created this tank with his Velayudham.
Sthala Vriksham: Vanni Maram (Vanni Tree) is seen in the left side, as soon as you enter the rajagopuram.
Important FestivalsThai Poosam: During the month of Jan/Feb
Panguni Uthiram: During the month of Mar/Apr
Vaikasi Visakam : Birth star of Lord Murugan During the month of May/ June
Adi Kirthikai: During the month of July/August
Thiru Karthikai : During the month of oct/nov
Kanda shasti : November

Erumbeeswarar Temple, Thiruverumbur

Erumbeeswarar Temple, also known as Tiruverumbeeswarar Temple(Malaikovil மலைக்கோவில்), is located at Thiruverumbur, a suburb of Tiruchirappalli in Tamil Nadu. It is located about 15 km east of Tiruchirapalli, on the way to Thanjavur. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple enshrines Erumbeeswarar as the presiding deity along with his consort Saurabhya Kudalaambal. This Shivasthalam is built on a 60 ft high hill and can be accessed by a flight of steps. The temple has two prakarams and a mandapam at the foot of the hill. Historical evidences reveal that the temple came into existence during the 7th century. The temple has several inscriptions dating back to the Chola and Pandya period. The annual Brahmotsavam celebrated here is a major draw attended by thousands of devotees from far and near. Erumbeeswarar Temple has been declared as a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India. Tiruchirapalli Junction Railway Station is the nearest railway station.From Tiruchchirappali junction, there are lot of public transport buses. (or) get a local train to Thiruverumbur from the railway station.


Once there lived Tharukasuran, who with his powers conquered Boologam and Swarkalogam. Indiran and all Devargal suffered and sought the help of lord. They were asked to worship Lord Shiva in Thiruverumbur. In order to deceive from Tharukasuran, they all transformed into ants and reached the temple. Since the Shiva linga's surface is slippery they find difficult to climb and worship. So Shiva lingam transformed into Ant Hill that enabled Indiran and Devargal to climb on lord Shiva to Worship. Hence the Name Erumbeeswarar ( "Easwaran" one of the names of Lord Shiva and "Erumbu" means Ant)

Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval

Thiruvanaikaval (Tamil: திருவானைக்காவல்) (also Thiruvanaikal) is a famous Shiva temple in Tiruchirapalli (Trichy), located in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. The temple was built by Kocengannan (Kochenga Chola), one of the Early Cholas, around 1,800 years ago. It is adjacent to the Ranganathaswamy temple at Srirangam.
Thiruvanaikal is one of the five major Shiva Temples of Tamil Nadu(Panchabhoota Sthalams) representing the Mahābhūta or five great elements; this temple represents the element of water, or neer in Tamil. The other Panchabhoota Sthalams are located at Chidambaram (sky/ space), Kalahasti (wind), Tiruvannamalai (fire) and Kanchipuram (earth).


The main deity of the temple is Jambukeswara, representing the element water. Jambukeswara is depicted sitting under a jambu tree, which grows over a small stream that engulfs the deity during the rainy season. The temple is also considered the abode of goddess Akilandeswari, one of the forms of the goddess Parvati.
The massive outer wall, known as the Vibudi Prakara, stretches over a mile long, and is two feet thick and over 25 feet in height. Legend maintains that the wall was built by Shiva working along with the laborers. The temple is one of the hosts for the annual Natyanjali, a festival of classical Indian dance.
The greatest of works related to this temple include Tiruvanaikaval and Kilvelur

Akilandeshwari's Sannathy

The Sannathy of the goddess Akilandeshwari and the Sannathy of Prasanna Vinayaka are in the shape of the pranava manthra called "Om". It is believed that people who go round the sannathy (which is in the shape of "Om") 12 times and for one full mandala (48 days) will get the blessings of the goddess Akilandeshwari and have a good, healthy and wealthy life. It is believed that the Amman in the temple was in deep anger hence during one of Adi Sankara's visit he installed the Prasanna Ganapathy idol right opposite to her Sannathy and installed a pair of Sri Chakra thaatankas (ear-rings) to reduce her anger.


Once Devi Parvati mocked at Lord Shiva’s penance for betterment of the World. Lord Shiva wanted to condemn her act and directed her to go to the earth from 'Kailayam' and do penance. Devi Parvathi (Akilandeswari) as per Shiva's wish found 'Jambu' forest (Thiruvanaikoil) to conduct her penance. Devi made a Lingam out of water of river Cauvery (also called as river 'Ponni') under the 'Venn Naaval' tree (the Venn Naaval tree on top of the saint Jambu) and commenced her worship. So, the Lingam is known as 'Appu Lingam' (Water Lingam). Lord Siva at last gave darshan to Akilandeswari and taught her Siva Gnana. Devi Parvati took 'Upadesa' (lessons) facing East from Shiva, who stood facing West. So as the temples idols are also installed in the same direction. Such places are known as 'Upadesa Sthalams'. As the Devi was like a student and the Lord like a Guru in this temple, there is no 'Thiru Kalyanam' (marriage) conducted in this temple for Lord & the Devi, unlike the other Shiva temples. As Akilandeswari worshipped Lord Shiva in this temple, even today at noon the 'Archakar' (priest) dresses like a female and does Pooja to Lord Shiva and 'Go Maatha' (Cow). This noon pooja is very famous and pilgrims wait for this pooja every day. For the purpose of this pooja the temple is said to grow a 'Karam Pasu' (complete black color cow). Annabhishekam to Lingam (Abishekam with cooked rice) is a daily ritual at Thiruvanaikoil.

There were two Siva Ganas (Siva’s disciples who live in Kailash) by name 'Malyavan' and 'Pushpadanta'. Though they are Shiva Ganas they always quarrel with each other and fight for one thing or other. On top of all in one fight 'Malyavan' cursed 'Pushpadanta' to become an elephant in earth and the latter cursed the former to become a spider in earth. Both the elephant and the spider came to Jambukeshwaram and continued their Shiva worship. The elephant collected water from river Cauvery and conducted Abhishekam to the lingam under the Jambu tree daily. The spider constructed his web over the lingam to prevent dry leaves from dropping on it and prevent Sunlight directly felling on Shiva. When the elephant saw the web and thought that as dust on Lord Shiva and tore them and cleaned the Linga by pouring water. This happened daily. The spider became angry one day and crawled into the trunk of the elephant and bit the elephant to death killing itself. Lord Siva, moved by the deep devotion of the two relieved them from one other curse. As an elephant worshipped the Lord here, this place came to be known as 'Thiru Aanai Kaa' (Thiru – Holy, Aanai – Elephant, Kaa (Kaadu) – Forest). Later the actual name 'Thiruaanaikaa' become 'Thiruvanaikaval' and 'Thiruvanaikoil'.
In the next birth the Spider was born as the King Kochengot Chola ( Kotchengannan cholan meaning red eyed king) and built 70 temples and Thiruvanaikoil is the one among them. Remembering his enmity with the elephant in his previous birth, he built the Lord Shiva 'Sannathi'(Sanctorum) such that not even a small elephant can enter. The entrance on the sanctorum of Lord Shiva is only 4 foot high and 2.5 foot wide.
There was a story behind the kings red eyes, when he was in his mother's womb the kingdom astrologer predicted a time to give birth. If she gives birth at that time, he would be a wise and virtuous king and rule the kingdom very well. When the queen got the labor pain the time was early and prior to that predicted by the astrologer. The queen hence told the servant to hang her upside down for the time to come so that she could have a wise and virtuous son who could head the Kingdom righteously. So this waiting time made a the baby's eyes red. After his birth and became the king and he build the temple for Lord Siva and Goddess Akilandeswari in the name of Aanaikka (elephant protected) later days it changed to Thiruvanaikovil.

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam

The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu, India is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, a reclining form of Lord Vishnu. It is the first and foremost among the 108 Divya Desams, the holy abodes of Lord Vishnu. It is also considered to be one among the eight Svayam Vyakta Ksetras ("self-manifested shrines") of Lord Vishnu.[1]



The temple is also well known for its architectural grandeur. The annual 21 day chariot festival conducted during the month of Margazhi (Dec-Jan) attracts lot of visitors. Everyday during the festival, the sacred Vaishnavite text, Tiruvaimozhi is recited before Lord Ranganatha.
Srirangam temple is often listed as the largest functioning Hindu temple in the world (Angkor Wat being the largest non-functioning temple). The temple occupies an area of 156 acres (631,000 m²) with a perimeter of 4,116m (10,710 feet) making it the largest temple in India[2] and one of the largest religious complexes in the world. The temple is enclosed by 7 concentric walls (termed prakarams or mathil suvar) with a total length of 32,592 feet or over six miles. These walls are enclosed by 21 Gopurams. The space within the outer two prakarams is occupied by several shops, restaurants and flower stalls. For this reason, other massive Hindu temples like Chidambaram (Nataraja swamy Temple), Tiruvannamalai (Annamalaiyar temple), Meenakshi Amman Temple, Tirunelveli Nellaiappar Temple claim to be the biggest Hindu temples (Note - all these magnificent temples are entirely dedicated for the religious rituals and are "massive" in every sense of the word - size, grandeur and the accompanying traditions).
Among the marvels of the temple is a Hall of 1000 Pillars (actually 953) which has intricately carved stone pillars.
Though the term Kovil is generically used in Tamil to signify any temple, for many Vaishnavas the term Kovil exclusively refers to this temple, indicating its extreme importance for them (for saivas the term kovil refers to Thilai Natarajar Golden Shrine (Chidambaram Temple)). The presiding deity Lord Ranganathar is praised in many names by His devotees, including "Nam-Perumal" (our Lord in Tamil), "Azhagiya Manavalan" (The beautiful groom in Tamil), while His divine wife Ranganayaki is affectionately called "Thayar" (Holy Mother).
Apart from the main shrine of Ranganathar, the complex also houses shrines of dozens of forms of Lord Vishnu including Sudarshana Chakra, Narasimha, Rama, Hayagreeva, Gopala Krishna, separate shrines for Ranganayaki and dozens of other shrines for the major saints in the Vaishnava tradition, including Ramanuja. The temple follows the Thenkalai sect of Iyengars, but it is also worshipped by traditional Vadakalai sect of Iyengars, as is the case with all Vaishnavite shrines. Non-Hindus are allowed up to the sixth prakaram but not inside the gold topped sanctum sanctorum.[3]
Sriranga Mahathmiyam is the compilation of religious accounts of the temple, detailing the origins of its greatness. According to it, Lord Brahma, the Lord of Creation in Hindu mythology was once in a state of deep meditation and in His supreme trance received the gift of the Lord Vishnu's idol, "Ranga Vimana". He was told by the Supreme Lord that there would be seven other appearances of such idols on earth -- Srirangam, Srimushnam, Venkatadri (Tirumala), Saligram (Muktinath), Naimisaranya, Totadri, Pushkara and Badrinath.[4] The idol was then passed on by Brahma to Viraja, Vaiswatha, Manu, Ishwaku and finally to Rama. Lord Rama, himself an Avatar of Vishnu, worshipped the idol for a long time, and when he returned victoriously from Sri Lanka after destroying Ravana, he gave it to King Vibhishana as a token of appreciation for the latter's support for Rama against his own brother, Ravana. When Vibhishana was going via Trichy en route to Sri Lanka, the Lord wanted to stay in Srirangam.


The location where the Ranganathan idol was placed was later covered by an overgrowth of deep forests, due to disuse. After a very long time, a Chola king, chasing a parrot, accidentally found the idol. He then established the Ranganathaswamy temple as one of the largest temple complexes in the world.
According to historians, most dynasties that ruled the South—Cholas, Pandiyas, Hoysalas, Nayakkas—assisted with renovation and in the observance of the traditional customs. Even during periods of internal conflicts amongst these dynasties, utter importance was given to the safety and maintenance of these temples. It is said that a Chola king presented the temple with a golden serpent couch. Some historians identify this king with Rajamahendra Chola, supposedly the son of Rajendra Chola II. But it is of interest to note that he never figures in the latter's inscriptions, neither in the 4th year (that shows various members of the family going on rampage in different regions) nor in the 9th year (that shows only one member of the second generation).
The temple is mentioned in Tamil works of literature of the Sangam era, including the epic Silapadikaram (book 11, lines 35-40):[5]


“ On a magnificent cot having a thousand heads spread out, worshipped and praised by many, in an islet surrounded by Kaveri with bellowing waves, the lying posture of the One who has Lakshmi sitting in his chest
āyiram viritteḻu talaiyuṭai aruntiṟaṟ
pāyaṟ paḷḷip palartoḻu tētta
viritiraik kāviri viyaṉperu turuttit
tiruvamar mārpaṉ kiṭanta vaṇṇamum
 ”
However, archaeological inscriptions are available only from the 10th century AD.[6]
List of Shrines inside Srirangam Temple
Srirangam temple has around 360 shrines dedicated to various deities and Gurus.The following list provides some of the names
1) Lord Ranganatha
2) Goddess Ranganayaki
3) Lord Sudarshana
4) Lord Dhanvantri
5) Sri Ramanuja
6) Lord Garuda
7) Sri Vedanta Desika
8) MeetAlagiya Singar ( Narasimha)
9) Sri Thuluka Nachiyar
10) Lord Vishwaksena
11) Sri Aandal
12) Lord Venugopala Krishna
13) Lord Pattibhisheka Rama
14) Dasavatara Moorthis
Darshan, sevas and festivalsThere are Festivals throughout the year (Approx. 322 days out of 365 days). Vaikunta Ekadesi is the most important festival in Sri Rangam. AdiBrahmotsavam festival during Tamil month of Panguni is celebrated with pomp and glory.



Vishnu Temple : Gunaseelam : Online Pooja

Gunaseelam Vishnu Temple(Abhimana Sthalam) is a famous Vishnu temple near Trichy, in the state of Tamil Nadu India.It is located on the banks of river Cauvery. An exceptional feature about this temple is that mentally challenged people are taken to the temple and kept in the temple premises for 48 days(mandalam in Tamil).[1] At the end of the 48 days it is believed that their illness is cured by the grace of the Lord Prasanna Venkatachalapathi.
Etymology
The etymology of the name derives from "Gunam" (Cure) and "Seelam" (Place), meaning the place in which all illnesses are cured. This temple is around 20 miles from Trichy.
However a deeper understanding of the meaning of the place is very interesting, gunam also means "Qualitites" seelam also means "Assuming a lower position". Hence gunaseelam is the ability of lord to come down and address the devotees problems, while doing this he chooses himself voluntarily to climb down from the highest possible position he occupies in the universe just for the sake of this baktha.[2]
Viganasar
The temple has a sannidhi for viganasar ( Founder of Vaikanasa aagamam), Legend says he was given Brahminhood by lord Venkateshwara himself alongside Shri Brahma (Creator God)[3]
Renovation
The temple bears absolutely no resemblance to what it was a quarter of a century ago. With devotees’ contribution, the hereditary trustees have been able to transform the temple into a very impressive one. Currently, interesting paintings and photographs adorn the inside of the temple, nice solid flooring welcomes you leading to the handsome Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal seen in a Standing posture facing East. Being a parikara and prarthana sthalam has its obvious advantages in attracting devotees, yet the effort taken by the trustees in giving this temple a complete face lift is commendable. There is written documentation that the temple should be renovated in the 5000th year of Kaliyuga. The renovation was accordingly done.[4]
The story In Bhavishyotra Puranam, one finds reference to the significance of this temple in Gunaseela Mahaatmiyam. Thaalpiya Maharishi along with his disciple Gunaseela Rishi once went to the Himalayas. On his way back, Gunaseela Rishi stayed back at Tirupathi and was so attracted to Lord Venkatachalapathy that he wanted the Lord to appear in Gunaseelam and bless the devotees. [5]
He came back, bathed in the Cauvery and undertook severe penance here in his ashram in Gunaseelam. Impressed with his sincerity, the Lord appeared before him along with Goddess and promised to remain here till the end of Kali Yugam. Pleased with the darshan of Lord Prasanna Venkatesan, Gunaseela Maharishi continued to offer his daily poojas to the lord from his ashram here.
At the end of the Dwapara Yugam, the Gunaseela Maharishi’s Guru wanted him to go to Naimisaaranyam. Gunaseela Rishi designated his young disciple to continue the daily poojas. However, floods in the Cauvery and dangerous animals in the forest led the disciple to flee the place and thus the poojas came to an abrupt end. The Lord decided to hide himself in a pit. [6]
King of Uraiyur builds the temple Several years passed. Later Chola king Nyana Varma, who ruled this place with Uraiyur as the capital, used to visit Gunaseelam regularly. Every day, cowherds would milk the cows from near the pit and carry the milk all the way back to his court.
One day, to everyone’s shock, the milk that was filled to the brim of the pot vanished all of a sudden. An invisible voice wanted the king to dissolve the pit by pouring milk. The king brought in his army and used thousands of litres of milk to complete this exercise. Once dissolved, Vaikunta Vasudevan is said to have appeared before the king as Prasanna Venkatesan. As per the king’s wishes, the Lord agreed to remain here till the end of Kali Yugam and help fulfil all the prayers of the devotees, who visit this temple.[7] . Delighted at the darshan of Lord Prasanna Venkatesan, the King shifted from Uraiyur to Kallur, (this place was then called ‘Badra Chakra Pattinam’) near Gunaseelam and built the beautiful Gunaseelam temple and laid down the process of the daily poojas as directed by Prasanna Venkatesan. He also allocated a lot of land for the temple as well as funds to undertake the daily pooja formalities.
Curing of Diseases One of the special features of the Gunaseelam temple is the power of Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal to cure people from all kinds of diseases. The Lord is also said to help childless couples, if they bathe in the Cauvery and offer prayers for 48 days at Gunaseelam. It is believed that the Lord protects devotees from evil forces and keeps away enemies with the stick he wields in his right hand. Belief also is that sincere prayers to Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal will help remove any negative energy in devotees who visit here.
Mental Health Rehabilitation Centre In addition to the complete reconstruction of the Gunaseelam temple, the trustees have also set up a mental health rehabilitation centre that has the official stamp of the Tamil Nadu Government license. The centre is equipped with individual rooms and toilet facilities. A psychologist visits the centre once every week. There are volunteers who take care of these mentally challenged people on a daily basis.
The curing process Sacred water is splashed on these mentally challenged people each day during Uchi Kaalam (noon) and Artha Jaamam (night) for 48 days. Belief is that one will get cured if they sincerely offer their prayers to the Lord and follow this process. It is today a blend of faith and modern treatment. [8]
Since Tirupathi Lord himself appeared before Gunaseela Maharishi, it is believed that those who are not able to go to Tirupathi can visit Gunaseelam and all their wishes are said to be fulfilled here.
Visiting this temple on a Saturday is special. Lord Prasanna Venkatesan is said to have asked king Nyana Varma to visit the temple every Saturday and offer special poojas.
Festival Puratasi 11 day Brahmotsavam including 9 day Chariot festival Chitrai Theppotsavam Aavani 3 day Pavitrotsavam
[9]
Quick Facts Moolavar : Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal East Facing Standing posture with Goddess Lakshmi on his chest Utsavar : Srinivasan with Sri devi and Bhoo devi Temple Time : 830am-1pm, 4pm-830pm Contact : KR Pichumani Iyengar, Hereditary Executive Trustee Telephone No. : 04326 275210/ 275310 or 94863 04251
How to reach Gunaseelam
1. Take Namakkal/Salem Intercity bus from Trichy (about 45mts)(one bus for about every 50 Minutes), your can choose to board from Chattiram Bustand, Central Bus stand or even Tolgate. 2. Local bus that goes to kaatuputtur or Musiri. (very low freequency say 1 bus for every 2 hours) 2. Car from Srirangam will cost about Rs.400-500. One can also visit Thiruvellarai and Uthamar Koil Divya Desam while visiting Gunaseelam.


Speciality:
Gunaseelam is the place to perform a sahasranama archanai. Probably the only famous temple in Tamil Nadu that does the archanai with dedication. Guess what all the 1008 Names is rendered. The archanai lasts for half an hour. please contact the above number to book Thaligai (food) in advance as Sahasranama Archanai is done only with Thaligai Booking.
Unlike other perumal temples where tirumanjanam (abishekam) is done one in a week, in gunaseelam peumal has thrumajana sevai daily. The santhana kaappu sevai makes the lord look cuter than guruvayurappan.

Kara Varudam Important Festivals : Mukiya Pandigaigal