Sri Gangadeeswarar Temple, Thakkolam, Ranipet

 

Moolavar: Sri Gangadeeswarar Temple, Thakkolam, Ranipet

Amman: Sri Mohanavalli Ambal

Situated on the serene banks of the Kosasthalaiyar River, this ancient temple is one of the seven historic Shiva temples of Thakkolam. It is located just behind the renowned Sri Jalanatheeswarar Temple, one of the revered Thevara Paadal Petra Sthalams. The moolavar is also known as Umapatheeswarar

Thakkolam occupies a significant place in South Indian history. It was here that the famous Battle of Thakkolam was fought, a turning point in the history of the Cholas, during which the Chola prince Rajaditya (Rajadhithan) was slain in battle against the Rashtrakutas.

Temple history narrates that Uthitha Maharishi’s son, Sage Theerkathar, lost his eyesight due to a curse incurred from Kamadhenu. Seeking relief from the curse, Uthitha Maharishi came to the sacred banks of the Kosasthalaiyar River at Thakkolam, installed a Shiva Linga along with a Nandi, and performed intense worship. Pleased by his devotion, Lord Shiva caused the sacred waters of the Ganga to emerge through the mouth of the Nandi. After bathing in these divine waters, Sage Theerkathar was freed from the curse and regained his eyesight. Even today, devotees believe that the water which once flowed from the Nandi’s mouth originated from the holy River Ganga, making this shrine a place of immense spiritual significance.

According to the Periyapuranam, Sekkizhar records that after worshipping Lord Shiva at Thiruvirkolam Temple, Thirugnanasambandar visited this sacred shrine. Sekkizhar further narrates that Lord Shiva here was pleased with the intense penance performed by Sage Samvardha, the younger brother of Deva Guru Brihaspati (Vyazhan). This temple is also one of the revered Thevara Vaippu Sthalams praised by Thirunavukkarasar.

Within the inner prakaram are the shrines of Goddess Mohanavalli, Sri Subramanya with Valli and Devasena, Chandikeswarar, and the sacred Nandi (Rishabam), which is traditionally believed to have once discharged holy water through its mouth.

The shrine of Goddess Mohanavalli is situated to the right of the main sanctum and faces east. The Goddess stands gracefully in a standing posture, holding the Pasa and Ankusha in her upper hands, while her lower hands display the Abhaya and Varada mudras, symbolizing protection and blessings.

The mukha mandapam houses shrines for Karpaga Vinayagar, Kasi Viswanathar with Visalakshi, and Goddess Annapoorani. A Shiva Linga enshrined here is believed to have been consecrated and worshipped by Sage Uthitha Maharishi.

Contact: Kurukal Sri Banu can be reached on 99947 86919 he also takes take care of Jalanadhreswaar padal petra sthalam

Location: Sri Gangadeeswarar Temple, Thakkolam, Ranipet 

The Pancharama Kshetrams – The Five Sacred Śiva Temples of Andhra Pradesh

The Pancharama Kshetrams (Pañchārāma Kṣetras) are among the most revered Śaivite pilgrimage sites in South India. The five temples are situated in the fertile Godavari-Krishna delta region of Andhra Pradesh and are deeply connected through a single legend involving Lord Shiva, Lord Kartikeya (Kumāra Swamy), and the demon Tārakāsura.

Unlike the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams, which represent the five elements, the Pancharama temples represent the five fragments of a single Shiva Linga that was shattered by Lord Kumara to destroy the demon Tarakasura. Each fragment became a self-manifested (Swayambhu) Shiva Linga at its respective location.

These temples were largely developed under the Eastern Chalukyas (9th–11th centuries CE), although some traditions trace their origins much earlier. Each temple has distinct architecture, legends, rituals, and spiritual significance.

According to the Skanda Purana and local Sthala Puranas, The mighty demon Tarakasura performed severe penance and received from Lord Shiva an extraordinary boon. Shiva gifted him an Amrita (nectar-filled) Shiva Linga to wear around his neck. As long as this Linga remained intact, Tarakasura could not be killed.

The gods appealed to Lord Shiva as Tarakasura started troubling the world. Lord Shiva instructed his son Murugan  (Kumāra Swamy/Subrahmanya) to lead the celestial army. During the fierce battle, Kartikeya pierced Tarakasura’s neck with his divine spear (Vel). 

The Amrita Linga broke into five pieces. Each fragment flew in a different direction. The gods feared the pieces might reunite.

Therefore:

Indra consecrated one piece.

Surya installed another.

Chandra installed another.

Kumara installed another.

Vishnu installed the fifth.

These became the Pancharama Kshetrams.

The Pancharama temples are masterpieces of Eastern Chalukyan architecture, characterized by:

Multi-storeyed sanctums designed to accommodate the exceptionally tall Lingas.

Massive granite construction with finely carved pillars and mandapas.

Rich sculptural depictions from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Shaiva traditions.

Extensive inscriptions that document royal patronage, land grants, and temple administration from the 9th century onward.

Many devotees undertake a Pancharama Yatra, believing that visiting all five temples—especially on Maha Shivaratri or during Karthika Masam—brings the merit of great penance, absolves sins, and bestows Lord Shiva’s grace. 

A common route is:

-Amararama (Amaravati) Installed by Indra deva

-Draksharama (Draksharamam) installed by Surya deva

-Kumararama (Samalkot) installed by Karthikeyan himself

-Ksheerarama (Palakollu) installed by Mahavishnu 

-Somarama (Bhimavaram)installed by Chandra deva

Some pilgrims complete all five in a single day, while others spread the journey over two or three days.

Together, the Pancharama Kshetrams represent not only a shared sacred legend but also over a millennium of South Indian temple architecture, royal patronage, and living Shaivite worship. Completing the pilgrimage is considered a profound spiritual journey that symbolizes the reunion of the five divine fragments of Shiva’s cosmic presence.

1-5: Somarama – Someswara Swamy Temple

Sri Rajarajeswari Devi Samedha Sri Someshwara swamy, Bhimavaram West Godavari district.

Chandra bhagawan  installed the Linga.Therefore the temple became Somarama. 

The Shiva Linga is famous for changing colour. It is believed that it becomes dark during Amavasya and whitish during Pournami. This is regarded as a divine manifestation connected with Chandra.

The temple has a Five-storeyed gopuram, Spacious mandapas, fine sculptures which shows the Chalukyan influences

People pray here for mental peace, emotional balance, relief from Chandra dosha and family harmony

2-5: Ksheerarama – Sri Ramalingeswara Swamy Temple

Sri Parvati Devi Samedha Sri Ramalingeswara Swamy, Palakollu West Godavari district

Lord Vishnu installed this fragment. The Linga is white like milk and hence:the name Ksheera (Milk) + Arama. The lingam glows beautifully during Abhishekam.

One of Andhra Pradesh’s tallest temple towers. Nine-storeyed Rajagopuram. Beautiful carvings. Excellent stone workmanship.

Served and maintained by Eastern Chalukyas, later Cholas and then Vijayanagara rulers all patronized the temple.

Worship removes sins and grants prosperity and spiritual purity.

3-5 Kumararama – Kumara Bhimeswara Swamy Temple

Sri Bala Tripurasundari Ambal Samedha Kumara Bhimeswara Swamy, Samalkot Kakinada district

Lord Murugan, Kartikeya (Kumara Swamy) himself installed this fragment after slaying Tarakasura. Hence the name Kumararama.

The upper part of the Linga is visible from the upper floor. This architectural feature is unique among the Pancharama temples.

Built by the Eastern Chalukyas the temple had Two-storeyed sanctum with Intricate pillar and beautiful sculptures. You can see lot of stone inscriptions. The has elegant vimana

Devotees worship here to seek victory, courage, to removal of obstacles in life, get success in education and blessings for children

4-5 Draksharama – Bhimeswara Swamy Temple

Sri Manikyamba Devi Samedha Sri Bhimeswara Swamy, Draksharamam Konaseema district near Rajamahendravaram

Often called the Dakshina Kashi, this is regarded as the grandest of the Pancharamas. This fragment was installed by Surya Bhagavan.The place is also associated with Daksha Yajna, giving rise to the name Daksharama, which gradually became Draksharama. One of Andhra Pradesh’s finest temple complexes. The temple includes Two-storeyed sanctum, massive granite construction with beautiful inscriptions with hundreds of sculptured pillars and magnificent gateways

The shivalingam is nearly 14 feet high. The upper portion is worshipped from the first floor.

Manikyamba is one of the 18 Shakti Peethas according to local tradition.

Eastern Chalukya king Bhima I is credited with major construction. 

The temple contains numerous inscriptions recording donations by Cholas, Kakatiyas, Reddy kings, and Vijayanagara rulers.

It is believed that visiting Draksharama grants the merit of visiting Kashi.

5-5 : Amararama – Amaralingeswara Swamy Temple

Sri Bala Chamundika Devi Samedha Sri Amaralingeswara Swamy, Amaravathy

After Tarakasura’s death, Lord Indra installed this fragment of the Amrita Linga.

Since it was installed by the Devas (Amaras), the place became Amararama. It is located in Palnadu, Gutuuru region on the banks of River Krishna. One of the tallest Lingas in Andhra Pradesh. The Linga continues upward through two storeys of the temple, and devotees worship from different levels.

Temple Architecture is according to the Eastern Chalukyan style with Massive prakaras, Tall Rajagopuram Elegant stone mandapas and a Beautiful Nandi

The temple overlooks the Krishna River. Historically served and taken care by Chalukyas, Kakatiyas, Vijayanagara rulers and Local zamindars all contributed to its expansion.

Worship here is believed to:remove fear, grant courage, ensure success and remove planetary afflictions

Sri Vyagrapureeswarar Temple, Pulipurakoil, Chengalpattu

 

Moolavar: Sri Vyagrapureeswarar

Amman: Sri Balakujambal

Nestled on the southern bank of the River Palar stands the ancient Sri Balakujambal Sametha Sri Vyagrapureeswarar Temple, a remarkable Chola-era shrine that has witnessed over a thousand years of history. The temple is a living testament to the architectural brilliance, religious devotion, and royal patronage of successive dynasties. Numerous inscriptions dating from the 10th to the 18th centuries record generous endowments made by Chola rulers and later by the kings of the Vijayanagara Empire, reflecting the temple’s continued prominence through the ages.

The village derives its name Pulipurakoil from the presiding deity, Sri Vyagrapureeswarar (Vyaghra meaning tiger in Sanskrit and Puli in Tamil). The temple is also closely associated with two revered saints—Vyagrapada (Pulikkal Munivar) and Pulipani Siddhar—both of whom are believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva here.

According to temple legend, Vyagrapada, also known as Pulikkal Munivar, was blessed by Lord Shiva with tiger-like legs that enabled him to climb trees effortlessly during the early hours of dawn. His divine boon allowed him to gather fresh, untouched flowers for the Lord before honeybees could reach them, symbolizing the highest form of pure devotion. Owing to this unique blessing, he came to be known as Vyagrapada or Pulikkal Munivar.

The temple is equally significant as the sacred abode of Pulipani Siddhar, one of the celebrated Siddhas of Tamil tradition. It is believed that he rendered devoted service to Lord Shiva here and ultimately attained Jeeva Samadhi within the temple premises, making the shrine an important spiritual destination for devotees of the Siddha tradition.

Temple inscriptions reveal that the shrine existed well before the 12th century during the reign of the Cholas. Ancient records identify the region as Jayangonda Chozhamandalathu Kalathur Kottathu Sri Madurantaka Chathurvedi Mangalathu Vadapidagaiyana Mathoor. At that time, the presiding deity was worshipped as Thirupulipakava Nayanar. The exact period during which the village came to be known as Pulipurakoil remains unknown.

Architecturally, the temple faces east and welcomes devotees through an elegant three-tiered Rajagopuram. Proceeding inward, one encounters the Balipeedam, Dwajasthambam, and Nandi (Rishabham) aligned before the Mukha Mandapam. To the right of the Dwajasthambam is the sacred Jeeva Samadhi of Pulipani Siddhar, facing the sanctum of Lord Shiva.

The sanctum is crowned by a distinctive Gajaprishta Vimana, a classic apsidal (“elephant-backed”) architectural style characteristic of several early Chola temples. The koshta niches house the deities Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Vishnu, Brahma, and Durga, representing the temple’s rich iconographic tradition.

Within the Ardha Mandapam, Goddess Sri Balakujambal is enshrined on the western side, facing south. She stands gracefully in a serene posture, bestowing blessings through her Abhaya and Varada Hastas, symbolizing protection and benevolence. The revered Nalvar—the four great Saivite saints—are also enshrined here.

The temple further houses shrines for Nagar, Surya Bhagavan, and the celebrated Moovar—Thirunavukkarasar (Appar), Thirugnanasambandar, and Sundarar. In the outer prakaram, the sacred Jeeva Samadhi of Pulipani Siddhar occupies a place of great reverence, enhancing the temple’s spiritual significance.

Rich in history, steeped in sacred legends, and blessed by the presence of saints and Siddhas, Sri Vyagrapureeswarar Temple continues to stand as a timeless symbol of Tamil Saivite heritage and remains a cherished pilgrimage destination in the Chengalpattu region.

Contact: The kurukal Umamaheshwarar can be reached 99524 40373

Location: Sri Vyagrapureeswarar Temple, Pulipurakoil, Chengalpattu